Abstract
Plantain prices in sub-Saharan markets are very high due to the fact that the supply does not cover the large demand. The main constraint of plantain cultivation is the seedlings unavailability in quantity and quality, which is essential to boost the creation of new plantations. The PIF technique could solve this problem if its substrate of production is amended with natural products for quality enhancement. This study aims to assess clam shells and Tithonia diversifolia effects on the growth of PIF plantain seedlings and their sensitivity to Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Plantain PIF seedlings were grown in an amended substrate. The treatment influences the seedlings germination rate, number of shoots, height, diameter, area of leaves and favours a less sensitivity to M. fijiensis compared to the controls. The presence of clam shells and T. diversifolia in the treatment especially enhanced the (1) vegetative growth and (2) less sensitivity as well as accumulation of proteins and polyphenols respectively. This combination shows a synergic action with dual role both as a biofertilizer and as a biopesticide. This work valorises the use of by-fishing products and bad herbs that are environmentally benign and affordable to poor smallholders’ farmers, leading to a sustainable and responsible agriculture, as well as poor peasants’ empowerment. Key words: Plantain (Musa spp.), PIF seedlings, Tithonia diversifolia, clam shells, biofertilizer, biopesticide, Mycosphaerella fijiensis.  
Highlights
Banana in the Musaceae family is a perennial monocotyledonous plant that originates from South East Asia and grows in tropical and subtropical regions
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of clam shells and T. diversifolia powder on the growth promotion of plantain PIF seedlings in nursery and on their protection against M. fijiensis
The results of this study have provided evidence for wide variations in the germination rate, number of shoots, height of shoots, diameter of pseudo stems, area of leaves, the number and length of roots, in the sensitivity to M. fijiensis of amended plantain PIF seedling and in the accumulation of total proteins and polyphenols before and after inoculation as recently shown on banana treated with shells in nursery (Ewané et al, 2019), as well as on cocoa (Téné et al, 2017, 2019)
Summary
Banana in the Musaceae family is a perennial monocotyledonous plant that originates from South East Asia and grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The Musa spp. is composed of many cultivars, notably need to be cooked before consumption as compared to dessert bananas. The contribution of plantain (Musa spp., genome AAB) cultivation for income generation is significant and vital for food security of the population in tropical and sub-tropical zones, especially in Central and West Africa.
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