15 May Important diseases, insects and pests of Banana and their management .
केले केे महत्वपूर्ण रोग, कीट व पतंग तथ्ाा उनका प्रबंधन Timely identification of pests and diseases in agriculture helps farmer to properly control and manage them. Major pests and diseases that affect the banana crop and their management are discussed below. Diseases of Banana Crop 1. Panama Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense): This is a soil-borne fungal disease and gets entry in the plant body through roots. It is most serious in poorly drained soil. Initial symptoms are yellowing of lower leaves, including leaf blades and petioles. The leaves hang around the pseudostem and wither. In the pseudostem of the diseased plant, yellowish to reddish streaks are noted with intensification of colour towards the rhizome. Wilt is severe in poor soil with continuous cropping of banana. Warm soil temperature, poor drainage, light soils and high soil moisture are congenial for the spread of the disease. Control: Severely affected plants should be uprooted and burnt. Highly infected soil should not be replanted with banana at least for 3-4 years. Use of disease-free planting material and resistant cultivar are recommended. Growing of paddy followed by banana for 3-5 years once or twice, use of quick lime near the base of the plant and soaking with water and avoiding sunflower or sugarcane in crop rotation helps to reduce the disease incidence. Dipping...