The Sigatoka group of fungi The Sigatoka disease complex is a cluster of three closely related fungi–yellow sigatoka (Pseudocercospora musae), eumusae leaf spot (Pseudocercospora eumusae) and black sigatoka (Pseudocercospora fijiensis)–which emerged in quick succession during the last century as destructive pathogens on banana.   Yellow sigatoka was theContinue Reading

by Matthew Jones, Fruitnet     An international consortium, led by scientists from the Wageningen University & Research Centre, claims to have unravelled the DNA of pseudocercospora fijiensis, the fungus that causes the black Sigatoka disease in bananas.   Gert Kema, a professor in tropical phytopathology at Wageningen University, saidContinue Reading

by  Kelly den Herder, Fresh Plaza     Currently, an opportunity opens for the market in Asia caused by recent sanitary and weather setbacks from the Philippines, especially in the banana sector. Prime Fruit Mexico has focused on developing the Mexican origin of various tropical fruits in these markets, and althoughContinue Reading

  CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, has signed an MoU with the Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Ltd. (KSMD and MCL) under the Department of Horticulture, for establishing a mango development centre (MDC) at Chintamani.   According to the agreement, CFTRI will function as a technicalContinue Reading

by Jennifer Nichols, abc news     A Queensland company has developed world-first food technology it believes could revolutionise the global processed avocado market.   Naturo All Natural Technologies has patented a technique to stop avocados browning, without using chemicals or changing the flavour.   Agricultural engineer Jeff Hastings said hisContinue Reading