Bacterial Diseases of Banana Next

Bacterial Diseases of Banana There are two bacterial diseases that affect banana. Pseudomonas wilt Erwinia rot Click on the picture for information

Pseudomonas wilt Symptoms This disease occurs in scattered plants or within group of plants. Initially the terminal leaves will wilt. Then, in 2 to 3 days the plant will permanently wilt (Fig.). Next Previous End

Pseudomonas wilt Symptoms The cortex region of the stem near the soil show browning of the cells. Normal stem Observe the normal stem and the infested stem (Figs.). End Previous Next

Pseudomonas wilt Symptoms The cortex region of the fruit also show browning of the cells. Adventitious roots also may develop on the main stem due to the wilt disease. End Previous Next

Pseudomonas wilt Mode of spread The pathogen survives in soil for extended periods without the presence of banana crop in the field. The pathogen enters the plant system through wounds caused by cultivation practices, insect pests and nematodes. High temperature and high soil moisture favor disease development. End Previous Next

Pseudomonas wilt Management Practices Solarization, a method of heating soil by covering plastic sheets during hot periods (Fig.), will control this soil borne disease. Select disease free suckers for planting. Discard disease infected suckers. End Previous Next

Pseudomonas wilt Management Practices Spray herbicides such as 2,4-D or 2,4,5-T to kill the infected plants in situ. Spray Dieldrin on chopped mat and spread the chopping on the soil. This will control the insects which transmits the disease. End Back

Erwinia rot / Soft rot of rhizome Symptoms Center or a portion of the rhizome will be rotting with distinct odor and very soft to touch. The rot progresses up the pseudo-stem causing internal decay often with vascular discoloration. The growing point is killed. End Next

Erwinia rot / Soft rot of rhizome Symptoms Yellowing and wilting of the leaves are very characteristic symptoms (Fig.). Externally, the symptoms sometimes resemble those of Fusarium wilt. End Previous Next

Erwinia rot / Soft rot of rhizome Management Practices Drench the soil and plants with bleaching powder at 2 g per liter at 10 to 15 days interval. End Previous Back