In what looks to be a significant breakthrough for banana farmers globally, The Black Stuff, a humic substances-based soil amendment, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in controlling Tropical Race 1 (TR1) Fusarium Wilt in plantains, according to a recent trial conducted in East Palmerston, Queensland, Australia.
The trial, led by Alex Hopkins from The Black Stuff Pty Ltd, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of The Black Stuff in controlling TR1. Conducted on "dirty" soil previously affected by TR1, the trial involved the single application of approximately 2 cubic meters of The Black Stuff using a belt spreader across two rows of plantains, each consisting of about 150 plants. The application was at the time of planting in January 2021. No further applications of The Black Stuff over the trial period. The control planting was treated with a Syngenta product formulated for TR1 control.
Key findings
- Initial Results: By November 2022, all plants treated with The Black Stuff showed no signs of TR1 and maintained robust health.
- Sustained Health: Observations in July 2023 and April 2024 confirmed that plants treated with The Black Stuff continued to exhibit full bunches and no TR1 symptoms, with yields remaining high and plant quality superior.
- Control Group Decline: In contrast, 10% of plants in the control group were clearly affected by TR1 by April 2024, with an expectation of further decline.
Conclusion
The trial concluded that The Black Stuff is highly effective in controlling TR1 in plantains, with a recommended application rate of 3 cubic meters per hectare. This natural, humic substances-based product not only controlled the pathogen but also maintained plant health and productivity in previously contaminated soil. The Black Stuff has persistency over an extended time.
The TR1 trial can be regarded as an analogue for the Tropical Race 4 (TR4) variant that is devastating Cavendish banana crops worldwide.
Expert Insights
Humic substances, particularly humic and fulvic acids, have been shown to enhance soil health and suppress soil-borne pathogens, as evidenced by research on Fusarium Wilt in various crops. Studies, including one published in the Journal of Plant Pathology, have highlighted the role of humic substances in improving soil microbial activity and plant growth, further supporting the findings of this trial
Implications for the Industry
This breakthrough offers a sustainable and effective solution for managing TR1 Fusarium Wilt in bananas, potentially revitalizing affected plantations and securing banana production. The success of The Black Stuff in this trial underscores its potential as a valuable tool for farmers battling soil-borne diseases globally.
This press release has been prepared based on the data and findings from the 2024 Plantain Trial – East Palmerston and relevant scientific literature on the effectiveness of humic substances in controlling Fusarium Wilt.
For more information:
The Black Stuff
833 Topaz Road, Glen Allyn
Tel.: +61 427916470
Email: [email protected]
theblackstuff.com.au