Banana leaf disease

[Laisla87]

Hi

I grow several varieties of Banana but only one seems affected by this strange leaf-spot disease:

The leaves die back. I have to remove them as they look unsightly but the problem is that I end up completely defoliating the plants. The fruit has been small and failed to ripen properly. The problem is I have several bananas (Cavendish, Ornata, lady finger and a red one) which are all unaffected thus far - the affected one is Musa Velutina. Does anyone know what this is/how to treat it? Will it spread? I'm thinking that I may have to dig it up and throw it away

Thanks

[virtualpalm]

That looks like Sigatoka Disease. It is a serious disease in tropical areas. You can find out more about it here:

http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/horticulture/5247.html

Jody

[Tropicgardener]

Certainly does look like Sigatoka to me too......lucky for you that you are not in a commercial banana growing area otherwise your place would be under DPI quarantine.

[aussiearoids]

Get rid of all of the Musa dasycarpa [ correct name for velutina now ] disease might spread to others .

[Laisla87]

Thanks for the help everyone.

That's a worry. We do have commercial banana-growing areas but at least 6 hours drive away. I guess I'll have to destroy the plant (Shame as it is not a common type)

[Tropicgardener]

yep it is certainly a shame to have to destroy something like that but you don't want it spreading to your other plants or possibly any neighbours plants.......I remember my Grandad being devastated when he had to remove all of his bananas due to bunchy top.

[aussiearoids]

Have you saved any seed of it ? Can always grow some more , it is very common and a weed in some gardens of people who should know better

[Tropicgardener]

Have you saved any seed of it ? Can always grow some more , it is very common and a weed in some gardens of people who should know better

People who should know better ???.......Hmmmmmm, who on earth could you be talking about

[aussiearoids]

Not me , I swear ..living in the heart of banana growing territory I would be drawn and quartered for having anything like that .. I was thinking of much further north