This lecture covers the major production constraints in banana cultivation, focusing on key physiological disorders, important pests and diseases, and integrated management practices. Emphasis is placed on the identification, symptoms, and control of disorders and pathogens affecting banana yield and quality. The content is essential for understanding sustainable banana production and effective disease management. Important academic keywords include physiological disorders, viral diseases, fungal diseases, bacterial diseases, and integrated management.
Introduction to Banana Production Constraints
- Banana is a major tropical fruit crop with significant economic importance.
- Production is limited by physiological disorders, pests, and diseases.
- Effective management is essential for sustainable yield and fruit quality.
Physiological Disorders in Banana
Kottavazhai
- Observed in cv. Poovan, mainly in Tamil Nadu.
- Fruits are conical, ill-filled, with a prominent central core and non-viable seeds.
- Spray 2,4-D at 20 ppm when last hand opens to prevent disorder.
Hard Lump
- Occurs in cv. Rasthali; pulp is pinkish-brown, firm, and tastes unripe.
- Spray 2,4-D at 1000 ppm or dip peduncle cut end for 5 minutes to reduce lumps.
Sunscald
- Caused by direct sun exposure on bunches and peduncle.
- Cover bunches and peduncle with banana or flag leaves to prevent damage.
Major Viral Diseases of Banana
Bunchy Top DiseasePathogen: Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), transmitted by aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa.
Symptoms:
- Short, narrow leaves clustered at pseudostem apex (‘bunchy’ appearance).
- Leaf margins wavy and rolled upward in advanced stages.
Management:
- Remove affected plants with rhizome.
- Plant virus-free suckers.
- Control aphids with insecticides (e.g., 0.3% Rogor, 0.05% Monocrotophos).
Banana Bract Mosaic Virus
Pathogen: Banana bract mosaic virus, transmitted by Aphis gossypii and Pentalonia nigronervosa.
Symptoms:
- Discoloration and necrotic streaks on male bud bracts.
- Spindle-shaped discoloration on pseudostem.
Management:
- Early detection and removal of infected plants.
- Control vectors as for other viral diseases.
Banana Streak Virus
Pathogen: Banana streak virus, transmitted by citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri).
Symptoms:
- Foliar mosaic and necrotic streaks on leaves.
Major Fungal Diseases of Banana
Panama WiltPathogen: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense.
Symptoms:
- Yellowing and withering of leaves; petiole breaks and hangs.
- Longitudinal splitting of pseudostem; plant death.
Management:
- Remove infected plants; apply lime (2 kg/pit) and fallow for 6 months.
- Grow resistant varieties (Dwarf Cavendish, Poovan, Nendran).
- Crop rotation with paddy in wetland areas.
- Apply carbendazim (50–60 mg) in corm at 45° angle.
Sigatoka Leaf Spot
Pathogen: Mycosphaerella musicola.
Symptoms:
- Yellowish-green streaks along veins, enlarging into elongated spots.
- Coalescence of spots leads to leaf drying.
Management:
- Spray copper oxychloride or carbendazim (500 g/ha).
- Avoid close planting to reduce humidity.
Major Bacterial Diseases of Banana
Moko WiltPathogen: Ralstonia solanacearum (formerly Pseudomonas solanacearum).
Symptoms:
- Yellowing starts from inner leaves, spreads upward; wilting of all leaves.
Management:
- Ensure good drainage.
- Biological control with Pseudomonas fluorescens.
- Crop rotation with non-hosts (e.g., sorghum).
Tip Over (Heart Rot)
Pathogen: Erwinia carotovora.
Symptoms:
- Rotting of central tender leaf; pseudostem detaches easily from corm.
- Bacterial ooze from corm and pseudostem edges.
Management:
- Use disease-free suckers.
- Grow resistant varieties (e.g., Poovan).
Integrated Management Practices and Harvest
- Adopt integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) for sustainable production.
- Use resistant varieties and healthy planting material.
- Practice crop rotation and proper field sanitation.
- Apply recommended fungicides and insecticides judiciously.
- Bunches mature 100–150 days after flowering.
- Average yields (t/ha/year): Poovan 40–50, Monthan 30–40, Robusta 50–60, Dwarf Cavendish 50–60.
Objective Questions
Q1. Which banana cultivar is specifically affected by the physiological disorder "Kottavazhai"?
A. Poovan
B. Rasthali
C. Nendran
D. Monthan
Answer: A
Q2. What chemical and concentration is recommended to overcome Kottavazhai disorder in bananas?
A. 2,4 D 20 ppm
B. 2,4 D 1000 ppm
C. Carbendazim 50 mg
D. Monocrotophos 0.05%
Answer: A
Q3. Which physiological disorder in banana is characterized by pinkish brown, firm pulp and occurs in cv. Rasthali?
A. Kottavazhai
B. Hard lump
C. Sunscald
D. Main stalk rot
Answer: B
Q4. What is the main vector for Banana Bunchy Top Virus?
A. Planococcus citri
B. Aphis gossypii
C. Pentalonia nigronervosa
D. Erwinia carotovora
Answer: C
Q5. Which management practice is NOT recommended for Panama wilt in banana?
A. Application of lime @ 2kg/pit
B. Growing Dwarf Cavendish
C. Spraying copper oxy chloride
D. Crop rotation with paddy
Answer: C
Q6. Which fungal disease of banana is caused by Mycosphaerella musicola?
A. Panama wilt
B. Sigatoka leaf spot
C. Moko wilt
D. Banana streak
Answer: B
Q7. Which banana cultivar has the highest reported yield per hectare per year?
A. Poovan
B. Monthan
C. Robusta
D. Rasthali
Answer: C
Q8. Which bacterial disease is mostly seen in tissue cultured banana plants?
A. Moko wilt
B. Tip over or heart rot
C. Panama wilt
D. Banana streak
Answer: B
Q9. What is the recommended chemical for controlling banana aphid vectors?
A. Carbendazim
B. Rogar
C. Copper oxy chloride
D. Lime
Answer: B
Q10. Which pest transmits Banana Streak Virus?
A. Pentalonia nigronervosa
B. Aphis gossypii
C. Planococcus citri
D. Erwinia carotovora
Answer: C
