FUNGAL DISEASE (Foliar) : PANAMA WILT.

PANAMA WILT (OR) FUSARIUM WILT 

Symptoms:

 Panama wilt is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense. Both external and internal symptoms are present in the affected plant.

• Symptoms commence as yellowing of older leaves and progresses to youngest leaf. 
• The affected leaves collapse gradually at the petiole and hang around the Pseudostem. 
• At advanced stages of the disease development, splitting of the Pseudostem occurs coinciding with the collapse of crown.

Wilt is a vascular disease and attacks the conducting tissues. A transverse section of the Pseudostem/leaf base/rhizome exhibits presence of wilt fungus in the form of purplish or brownish-black discoloration of the vascular bundles that disrupts the translocation of nutrients leading to collapse of foliage and cessation of the growth of the crown.

Control: 

• Provide good drainage in field wherever water stagnation occurs. 
• Bimonthly drenching and weekly spray with 0.1% Bavistin for 2-3 weeks on and around the infected plants. 
• Uproot severely infected plants and burn them. Liming of the infected soil at the site of uprooted plants, helps in reducing the survival of fungus.

Click this link for: 

A highly successful method for effective control of Panama Wilt (or) Fusarium wilt in Banana plants.

     

 Regards,

A.Vishnu Sankar

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Posted in: 43. Fungal disease - Panama or Fusarium Wilt