Introduction

Disease management in bananas is a critical aspect of ensuring the sustainability and productivity of this essential global crop. Bananas, being a staple food and a significant source of income for millions of people worldwide, face numerous challenges from a variety of pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Effective disease management strategies are necessary to combat these threats and protect banana yields. These strategies encompass a range of approaches, from traditional practices like crop rotation and the use of resistant varieties to modern techniques such as precision agriculture and biocontrol agents. Integrated disease management (IDM) combines multiple methods to provide a comprehensive solution, enhancing the resilience of banana plantations. Understanding and implementing these strategies is crucial for maintaining healthy banana crops, ensuring food security, and supporting the livelihoods of farmers globally.

Panama disease/Fusarium Wilt/ Vascular Wilt :

Symptoms:

Yellowing of leaves .The leaves break near the base and hang down around pseudostem.
Longitudinal splitting of pseudostem and discolouration of vascular region.

Management:

Grow resistant variety like Poovan.Flooding the infected fields
Raise paddy crop for one season to suppress pathogen.

Sigatoka disease/leaf spot :

There are two types of sigatoka ,

Symptoms

Yellow sigatoka – Initial yellow or brownish green elongated spots on leaves.Later grey in colour.Spots surrounded by yellow hallow.

Black sigatoka – Black colour rectangular or linear spots on leaves without yellow hallow.

Management:

Removal of affected leaves and avoid night irrigation

Anthracnose :

Symptoms:

The skin at distal ends of fingers turn black.
The fungus produces masses of conidia which form a pinkish coat.
The entire fruit ,stalk and buds are affected
Bunch becomes black.Fruits get shriveled.

Management:

Removing infected plant parts .
Avoid overcrowding.
Spraying Copper oxy chloride 0.25% or Bordeaux mixture 1%
Harvested fruits are dipped with benzimidazole.
Apply neem oil.

Freckle or Black Spot :

Symptoms:

Small black spots on leaves and fruits.
Initial – Spots are brown to dark brown
Spots are abundant on upper surface and raised
Yellowing of leaves.

Management:

Removal of infected plant parts.
After removing the male bud ,the bunches are bagged to prevent fruit infection.
Spraying Copper oxy chloride 0.25% or Bordeaux mixture 1%

Banana bunchy top / Curly top disease:

Symptoms:

Plants are stunted.
Leaves are reduced in size and chlorotic.
Leaves stand upright and crowded at the top become brittle.
Produce white shooting.
Fruit bunches become chocked and split the stem.
Vector – Aphid – Pentalonia nigronervosa

Management:

Select disease free suckers for planting .
Spraying dimethoate 500ml/ha to control thee vectors

Top rot or Tip over or Heart rot :

Symptoms:

Rotting of basal portion of pseudostem
Bad odour emitted from rotten tissues.
Swelling of pseudostem base.
Toppling of pseudostem affected plants.

Management:

Planting disease free suckers
Drench methoxy ethyl mercuric chloride 0.1%
Avoid drenching after shooting.
Poovan is resistant to this disease.

Conclusion

Effective disease management in bananas is crucial for sustaining productivity and ensuring the economic viability of banana cultivation. Integrated pest management strategies, combining cultural practices, resistant varieties, biological control, and judicious use of chemical treatments, have proven essential in mitigating the impact of various pathogens. Continuous monitoring and early detection of diseases, coupled with advancements in research and the adoption of innovative technologies, further enhance the ability to manage and control banana diseases. By prioritizing sustainable and holistic approaches, the banana industry can better safeguard against potential outbreaks, ensuring a stable supply of this vital global food crop.