disease in banana

Within India, bananas are grown in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The areas affected by Panama Wilt disease are Katihar and Purnia districts of Bihar, Faizabad, Barabanki, Maharajganj of Uttar Pradesh, Surat of Gujarat and Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh.

Banana is cultivated on a large scale in India. Also, the country is one of the largest banana producers in the world. India is known for the cultivation of various banana varieties, including the popular Cavendish banana as well as other regional varieties such as Robusta, Grand Neine, and Poovan. Each variety has its distinct characteristics. In such a situation, if something happens to the banana crop, it directly impacts the income of the farmers. Additionally, Panama Wilt disease has emerged as a new problem for banana farmers across the country. This disease is ruining their crops worth lakhs. 

Panama Wilt Disease

It is a fungal disease. Due to this infection, the banana crop can be completely ruined. Panama wilt is caused by a fungus called Fusarium wilt TR-2, which stunts the growth of banana plants. If we look at the symptoms of this disease, the leaves of the banana plant turn brown and fall. Additionally, the stem also starts rotting. It is considered a very fatal disease, which destroys the entire banana crop. This is a disease caused by fungus, which in the last few years has been seen in many countries of the world including Africa, Taiwan, America, Australia besides India. This disease has destroyed the banana crops of the farmers there. Presently this disease has become a cause of trouble for the farmers of India for some years. 

Also read: Farmer left his job in Switzerland and started banana farming, today the turnover is Rs 100 crore

How to prevent Panama Wilt disease

Regarding the prevention of Panama Wilt disease, this disease can be treated through the collective efforts of scientists and farmers. Scientists say that no effective medicine has been found yet for Panama Wilt disease. However, scientists at CISH have created a drug called ISAR-Fusicant. Farmers of Bihar and other states have benefited greatly from the use of this medicine. CISH has been trying to save farmers' banana crops for the last three years. For this reason, efforts are being made to deliver this medicine to farmers across India.

Panama Wilt disease has affected these states

In our country India, banana is produced in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The districts affected by Panama Wilt disease are Katihar and Purnia of Bihar, Faizabad, Barabanki, Maharajganj of Uttar Pradesh, Surat of Gujarat and Burhanpur of Madhya Pradesh. In such a situation, the farmers here need to take special care of their banana crop to protect it from this disease.

A new pest has been investigated in banana crop, which is called fall armyworm. Scientists have seen it eating banana leaves. This insect is mainly found inside the maize crop. In such a situation, it is being said that it may have been seen on the banana from there itself. To prevent this, scientists have started research.

Banana production is done on a large scale in India. This is a fruit which is used in many things. Before being cooked, it is used to make chips and vegetables. Let us tell you that ripe banana is eaten whole only. Banana is considered a good source of calcium, phosphorus and carbohydrates.

Banana leaves are used extensively

Not only this, banana leaves are also used on a large scale in India. It is used for worship and serving food. But, cultivating banana is not that easy. If any disease occurs in the banana crop or it is attacked by insects, the entire crop gets ruined. In such a situation, farmers should take timely measures to prevent it so that they do not have to suffer losses.

Also read: Banana crop has been greatly affected by Panama Wilt disease in these areas of India.

How to detect new pests in banana crop

Currently, scientists have discovered a new pest in the banana crop, which is called Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera fujiperda). It is an invasive insect, which is mainly found in maize crops. But, scientists have found it eating banana leaves. This insect is called aggressive because, like locusts, they form swarms and eat the crops.

Presence of insect was recorded on this variety of banana

Scientists have found it completing its life cycle on bananas. It has been found on banana plants near maize fields in Trichy district of Tamil Nadu. It is possible that it came from maize. Infestation of an exotic invasive insect called Bondar's Nesting Whitefly on banana plants in Karur and Tiruchirappalli districts of Tamil Nadu has recently been notified in India. Similarly, severe infection of bagworm has been seen on Karpuvalli variety of banana. Also, a total of 108 germplasm extracts from this variety were found to be damaged by it.

Also read: How to manage the increasing attack of thrips in banana cultivation in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh due to active monsoon in the month of September?

Scientists are constantly doing research to prevent insect infestation.

This is the first report of infestation of this insect on banana. It is known as a serious pest of various types of palm trees including betel nut, coconut and oil palm. Scientists are making research-based efforts to control it, so that the banana crop can be saved from its infection in time.