Anthracnose control of ‘Prata-Ana’ banana with pre-harvest phosphite application

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthracnose intensity in ‘Prata-Anã’ banana with the application of three phosphite formulations in two application intervals in the developing banana bunches and to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of fruits. In the field, in addition to producer management, three phosphite formulations were evaluated: FCu1 (4% Cu + 20% P2O5), FCu2 (4% Cu + 22% P2O5) and FK (42% P2O5 + 27.7% K2O) sprayed on banana bunches at different application frequencies: four and eight times. The experiment was carried out in a randomized blocks design following a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with 3 phosphite formulations, pure water and no application and two application intervals. Pure water and no application were used as control. Fruits were harvested, stored in refrigeration chamber (25 ± 1 ° C and 80 ± 5% RH) and evaluated for anthracnose incidence and severity, as well as physical and chemical characteristics. The application of copper phosphite can control anthracnose incidence by 38% and severity by 49.5%. The frequency of phosphite application does not affect anthracnose intensity. FCu1 phosphite application in ‘Prata-Anã’ banana bunches, as well as eight phosphite applications increases fresh mass loss. Phosphite application frequency affected the chemical characteristics of banana fruits.