Banana diseases
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The banana diseases are many and can be produced thanks to various conditions that favor their spread. These diseases can be caused by fungi or bacteria that can affect crops. Among the main banana diseases it is possible to mention the following: Panama disease, Sigatoka, Moko or bacterial wilt.
The evil of Panama:
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is a disease caused by a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum. This infects, in the initial stage, the small roots of the banana until it reaches the main root of the same. When it is installed in the rhizome, it spreads quickly and forms brown, reddish or purple stains. It is possible to appreciate that the leaves of the banana wither and begin to hang down, covering themselves with a white spot. It is possible to appreciate that the young leaves look dry, while those of the green center remain. The propagation time of this disease is at least two months. During this time, the stem begins to tear and separate the pods.
The sigatoka:
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is a disease caused by a fungus called Mycosphaerella and can be detected by the appearance of spots on the top or bottom of the leaf. This is the one that causes the most damage in the cultivation of the banana, because if it spreads, the whole crop could be damaged.
Moko or bacterial wilt:
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it is of bacterial origin (Seudomonas solacenacearum). This attacks the roots and evolves rapidly producing toxins that damage the banana. The damages of this disease are characterized because the center turns yellowish, while the leaf limb acquires a yellow color, but dirtier. This leads to desiccation and subsequent death of the central leaves. They also affect the bunch causing its growth to stop and the fruits acquire a black color and split.
All crops may be susceptible to be affected by diseases that may affect the development of the product. For this reason, each farmer should be aware of the appearance of them.
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