By Umar Nsubuga
Banana bacterial wilt (BBW) is one of the most devastating diseases affecting banana plantations, leading to significant losses for farmers.
Henry Sekyewa, an agronomist, shares essential strategies farmers can adopt to combat this disease and protect their banana crops from destruction.
Sekyewa says farmers need to regularly monitor their banana plantations for signs of wilt. Common symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves, premature ripening of bananas, and bacterial ooze from the plant’s stem. Once a plant shows symptoms, quick action is essential.
“The earlier you spot the disease, the better your chances of containing its spread.”
Once a banana plant is infected with banana wilt, there is no cure, and the disease can spread rapidly to other plants. Sekyewa urges farmers to remove and destroy any affected plants immediately.
“Uproot the entire plant, including the corm, and burn it. This will prevent the bacteria from spreading through soil or water,” he explains.
Simply cutting down the plant without removing the roots will not stop the spread of the disease. He explains that a common way banana wilt spreads is through the use of contaminated farming tools.
Sekyewa emphasises the need to disinfect tools before using them on healthy plants.
“Farmers should clean and disinfect their tools with a solution of sodium hypochlorite or bleach after every use,” he advises.
This simple practice can dramatically reduce the risk of transferring the bacteria from infected plants to healthy ones.
Practice crop rotation
Sekyewa also recommends crop rotation as a long-term solution to reduce the buildup of disease-causing pathogens in the soil.
“By rotating bananas with non-host crops, such as legumes or cereals, farmers can break the cycle of the disease,” he says.
This practice not only helps in managing banana wilt but also improves soil health by introducing different nutrients into the soil.
Use clean planting material
One of the critical steps in preventing banana wilt is to use disease-free planting material. Sekyewa advises farmers to source planting material from certified nurseries or research stations.
“Avoid using suckers from infected fields,” he warns.
He says planting disease-free bananas can significantly reduce the risk of introducing banana wilt into a new area.
Controlled access to fields
He says controlling human movement within banana fields can also help curb the spread of banana wilt.
“People and animals can easily carry the bacteria from one part of the field to another,” Sekyewa explains.
He adds that; “Farmers should consider fencing their plantations and restricting entry to prevent the unintentional spread of the disease.”
Remove male buds
Infected male buds of banana plants are another major source of transmission for the banana wilt bacteria. Sekyewa advises farmers to remove the male buds shortly after the fruit begins to form.
“The bacteria can enter the plant through the male bud, so removing it is a crucial step in preventing the spread of the disease,” he says adding that farmers can use a forked stick or a clean, sharp tool to safely remove the male buds.
Practice good farm hygiene
Good hygiene practices on the farm are key to managing banana wilt.
“Keep the farm clean by removing dead leaves, debris, and weeds, which can harbor the disease,” Sekyewa suggests.
He says clean, well-managed farms reduce the likelihood of disease transmission and create an environment where banana plants can grow more vigorously.
Engage in community efforts
Banana bacterial wilt can spread rapidly across different farms if not well managed. Sekyewa emphasises the need for community-based efforts to control the disease.
“Farmers should work together with neighbours and local agricultural officers to control the disease collectively,” he advises.
He adds that disease control practices must be consistent across regions to prevent reinfection from neighbouring farms.
Use resistant varieties
Finally, Sekyewa recommends planting banana varieties that are resistant to banana wilt. While no variety is fully immune to the disease, some are more tolerant and can reduce losses.
“Researchers are continually working to develop disease-resistant banana varieties,” he says.
He says using resistant varieties is an important long-term strategy to reduce the impact of banana wilt.
