Banana farming is one of the main sources of income in the state of Acre. Despite the benefits generated, the sector faces a major post-harvest problem: anthracnose, a disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum musae.
Black Sigatoka is another obstacle to banana production in Acre and worldwide. The disease affects banana leaves, prevents photosynthesis and interferes with production. The presence of the disease and the absence of the Risk Mitigation System (SMR) are factors that make it impossible to commercialize bananas outside Acre.
“As long as there is no post-harvest treatment of the fruit, we will not be able to enter the markets of other states”, says farmer Gersi de Souza, president of the Rural Producers Association of Ramal Campo Novo (Apruracam) .
In addition to researching ways to combat anthracnose and providing subsidies for the implementation of a Black Sigatoka Risk Mitigation System in the state, training is planned for farmers and technicians in the municipality of Acrelândia, the main banana producer in the state, on good post-harvest practices.
Source: abrafrutas.org