By Umar Nsubuga
To fight banana diseases in a plantation effectively, it is essential to combine preventive and active control methods.
Deborah Nabatanzi, a modern farmer, employs several advanced methods to fight banana diseases in her garden and she gives tips.
She says it’s important to plant banana varieties that are resistant to diseases like Black Sigatoka and Panama disease (Fusarium wilt). Many hybrid varieties have been developed for this purpose.
Proper field hygiene
She says remove and destroy any infected plants or plant material to prevent the spread of diseases.
She adds, “Farmers have to clean and disinfect tools, especially pruning tools, to avoid transferring diseases between plants. You also need to maintain a weed-free plantation to reduce disease vectors.”
Nabatanzi advises farmers to rotate bananas with other crops like legumes or cereals to break the disease cycle, especially with soil-borne diseases like Panama disease.
Mulching and soil health
Apply organic mulch to enhance soil moisture and microbial activity, which can help combat diseases, she say.
“Use soil amendments (lime or compost) to improve soil health, making the plants more resilient to diseases”.
Disease surveillance and early detection
“Regularly monitor your banana plants for symptoms of diseases such as yellowing leaves, wilting, or leaf spots,” she says adding that remove infected leaves or plants early to contain diseases like Black Sigatoka or Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW).
Water management
Nabatanzi advises farmers to avoid over-irrigation, which can encourage fungal diseases like Fusarium wilt and Rhizome rot. Ensure the plantation has proper drainage systems to reduce waterlogging.
Biological control
“Use beneficial organisms like Trichoderma fungi, which can protect against soil-borne diseases. Also, promote natural predators like ladybugs to control vectors of viral diseases,” sh explains.
Chemical control
She says apply fungicides or bactericides where necessary, but avoid overuse as it can lead to resistance.
“Use systemic pesticides cautiously, adhering to local regulations and guidelines for disease control,” she says adding that by integrating these methods, you can manage banana diseases more sustainably and ensure a healthier plantation.
