Banana diseases

The banana tree, an iconic plant of tropical regions, occupies a central place in many fruit farms. However, behind its robust appearance lies a high vulnerability to various diseases, often devastating for yields. These pathogens—whether fungal, bacterial, or viral—can compromise soil health. Let’s discover the main banana diseases, their causes, and their symptoms.

Agrobiotop, a leader in agrobiology, develops innovative and natural solutions that help combat the various problems of banana crops.

Diseases on banana leaves

These are the most serious diseases of banana leaves. They are present worldwide on all banana crops, their severity can vary depending on the variety and climatic conditions. These diseases cause a very significant loss of production to the point that they call into question the “Cavendish” variety, which is the most widespread variety in the world.

Since hot and humid climates lead to a very large population of spores and ascospores, the risk of infection is constant and banana leaves become contaminated as they emerge.

Yellow Sigatoka

Caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella musicola , yellow Sigatoka (also called yellow Sigatoka) remains a widespread foliar disease. It begins as small yellow spots on the leaves , which gradually turn brown before causing the leaf blade to completely dry out. This destruction of the foliage considerably reduces the photosynthetic surface, weakening the plant and delaying fruit ripening.

The disease spreads by wind and splashing water, making it difficult to control in rainy regions.

Black Sigatoka

Black Sigatoka or black Sigatoka of banana ( Mycosphaerella fijiensis ) is considered the most destructive fungal disease of bananas . It affects both traditional crops and hybrid varieties. Its black spots, bordered by yellow, cause rapid defoliation , depriving the plant of its ability to feed bunches. Yield losses can exceed 50% in untreated areas.

Various leaf spots

Fungi of the genera Cercospora , Pestalotiopsis or Cordana cause brown, gray or black spots on the leaves. If these infections remain superficial, their accumulation eventually impairs photosynthesis and reduces the overall vigor of the plant.

Bunchy top – bacterial disease

Yellowish patches or streaks are observed on the leaf blades. Young leaves are deformed. There is a stoppage in the elongation of the sheaths which leads to congestion. Bunchy top is caused by a virus similar to the CMV virus transmitted by the aphid: Pentalonia nigronervosi and Aphis gossypii .

Banana Streak Virus (BSV) – bacterial disease

The BSV virus, transmitted by mealybugs ( Planococcus and Dysmicoccus spp. ), causes yellow or brown streaks on banana leaves, often accentuated by stress related to drought or heat. While the symptoms may appear benign, the infection permanently weakens the plant, reducing bunch size and fruit quality. Control primarily involves vector management : monitoring mealybug populations, using solutions based on repellent plant extracts and maintaining balanced nutrition to strengthen the banana plant’s tolerance.

Diseases on the roots and lower part of the pseudostem of banana trees

Fusarium wilt or Panama disease

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense , is a soil-borne disease that directly attacks the vascular system of the banana plant. The lower leaves turn yellow, wilt, and then the plant dies. When the pseudostem is cut, characteristic brown streaks appear in the internal tissues.

The tropical strain TR4 is particularly feared because it survives for many years in the soil and has not yet been cured.

Rhizome rot

Often caused by Fusarium or Erwinia spp. , rhizome rot develops in waterlogged soils. It causes widespread wilting , an unpleasant odor , and plant death. This microbiological imbalance results from a combination of excessive moisture and poor soil aeration.

Moko Disease – Bacterial Disease

Bacterial wilt, known as Moko disease, is caused by Ralstonia solanacearum or Pseudomonas solanacearum . It causes rapid wilting of the foliage , accompanied by internal browning and core rot . Fruits are deformed, internally blackened, and sometimes release a brownish, viscous liquid.

Spread is via cutting tools, insects, and water splashes. Strict vigilance in cultivation practices is required: disinfection of equipment, immediate removal of infected plants, and effective soil drainage.

Diseases on fruits after harvest

Banana anthracnose

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum musae , mainly affects ripe fruit. It causes sunken black spots that quickly develop into rot under the influence of moisture. This disease causes heavy post-harvest losses, particularly during transport or storage.

Pad rot

Development of rot on cut wounds of the “hands”.
Complex mycoflora dominated by numerous species belonging in particular to the genera Fusarium, Colletotrichum.

Trachysphaera cigar tip disease

This disease is caused by Trachysphaera . Rotting of the fingertips is observed at the time of bunch formation.