  We propose a MANOVA test for semicontinuous data that is applicable also when
the dimensionality exceeds the sample size. The test statistic is obtained as a
likelihood ratio, where numerator and denominator are computed at the maxima of
penalized likelihood functions under each hypothesis. Closed form solutions for
the regularized estimators allow us to avoid computational overheads. We derive
the null distribution using a permutation scheme. The power and level of the
resulting test are evaluated in a simulation study. We illustrate the new
methodology with two original data analyses, one regarding microRNA expression
in human blastocyst cultures, and another regarding alien plant species
invasion in the island of Socotra (Yemen).
