Integrated management of soft rot of pseudostem and rhizome of banana (Musa spp.) caused by Dickeya ssp.

Soft rot of the banana pseudostem and rhizome, associated with Dickeya spp., is a significant limitation to its productivity. Under in vitro conditions, granulated copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) showed the largest zone of inhibition (12.6 mm), significantly outperforming the other treatments by more than 16%, while the control showed no inhibition. Under field conditions, the integrated treatment of granulated CuSO4·5H2O + effective microorganisms (EM) + agronomic practices (AP) achieved the lowest AUCPE (332.88) compared to the control (570.38; 71.3% higher), reduced disease severity (0.29; -88.7%), increased bunch weight (50.57 kg; +4.7%), and achieved the highest yield (2713.26 boxes ha-1 year-1), with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.615 (+33.8% compared to the control). All treatments differed significantly (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the integrated use of bactericides, organic amendments, and sustainable agronomic practices constitutes an effective strategy for reducing the severity of pseudostem soft rot and improving banana productivity and profitability.