Feed back from TNAU, NRCB and Farmers

Dear readers, You are aware that this blog carries an exhaustive load of details regarding micro-nutrient deficiencies in Banana and their remedies. On cross verification with other websites it was found that even the most trusted websites carry major flaws. TNAU Agritech portal is no exception and the mistakes pointed out by this blogger was corrected in their website immediately (within 12 hours).  The above discussed subject along with the disputed pictures were sent to National Research Centre for Banana, Trichy also for re-confirmation at their end. Fast came the reply to our surprise.  'KUDOS' to TNAU and NRCB on behalf of farming community for their quick response. Our letter and the response from both...

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Posted in: 21. Feed back from TNAU NRCB & Farmers

Enhancing bunch size of Banana through feeding N and K through distal end of rachis:

Dear reader,  You are kindly requested to visit the link: "Banana Bunch Care and procedures to maximize the bunch size", which is a must read article that covers all aspects of bunch care and proven methods to increase the bunch size, before commence reading the following article. Thank you. Maximizing banana bunch size by feeding  N and K through distal end of rachis: There is considerable increase in bunch size in ‘Robusta’ and ‘Grande naine’ banana, when feeding the following mixture through the distal end of rachis soon after fruitset.   Preparing the nutrient mixture: Ammonium Sulphate            -           15gm Sulphate...

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Posted in: 25. Banana Bunch care - Feeding nutrients thro' distal end of rachis

FERTILIZER TARGET CHART FOR BANANA UNDER PRECISION FARMING:

FERTILIZER TARGET CHART FOR BANANA ADOPTING PRECISION FARMING TECHNOLOGY: CAUTION: REQUIREMENTS GIVEN HERE ARE TARGETS ONLY, SO DO NOT APPLY THE GIVEN QUANTITY AT THE GIVEN AGE. T A R G E T GROWTH STAGE Age Requirement in gms/plant Requirement in % N P K N % P% K% EARLY ESTABLISHMENT STAGE -I 30 30 30 10 45 45 40 20 60 60 60 40 21 50 11 ESTABLISHMENT STAGE -II 90 90 80 80 120 110 90 120 19 25 21 VEGETATIVE STAGE -III 150 150 120 160 180 180 120 200 210 200 120 240 32 25 31 SHOOTING STAGE- IV 240 230 120 270 270 260 120 310 300 280 120 350 28 0 29 DEVELOPMENT OF BUNCH AND HARVESTING STAGE -V 330 do 120 380 0 0 8 280 120 380 100 100 100 CAUTION:...

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Posted in: 15. Fertilizer target chart for banana under Precision farming technology

Using Pseudostem injector for effective control of Fusarium wilt, Erwinia rot and Weevil attacks.

A novel method for effective control of Fusarium wilt, Erwinia rot and Weevil attack in Banana plants. Using Pseudostem injector: Step 1: Prepare a solution of 700ml of water + 300ml of Monocrotophos + 20 gms of Carbendazim + 1 gm of Streptomycin with Tetracycline sulphate. Step 2: Take the above solution in a Pseudostem injector. Dig the soil to expose the banana corm and inject 3 ml to 5 ml of the above solution directly into the corm. Step 3: Inject an additional dose of 3ml to 5 ml of the prepared solution to the Pseudostem 2 feet above ground level in a 45 degree slanting angle. In severely affected plantations administering a second dose of the above solution is necessary within 15 days for an effective...

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Posted in: 44. Using Pseudostem injector for effective control of Fusarium wilt

Fertilizer burn - Effect of excessive use of chemical fertilizers,

What is fertilizer burn? The chemical fertilizers that we use for farming are hygroscopic in nature. When a farmer applies excess chemical nutrients and fails to water the plants sufficiently, the applied chemicals because of their “thirsty” nature starts absorb water particles not only from the soil but also from the plant roots. This withdrawal of water from the plant tissues (dehydration) will cause ‘drying out’ of tender parts like roots and foliage. This injury will be visible very soon after the application of fertilizers like browning of part or all of the foliage. In some cases, severe injury will cause death of the entire plant. Since the symptoms in the leaf look like 'thermal radiation burn out' this is called “Fertilizer burn’....

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Posted in: 38. Fertilizer burn - Effect of excessive use of chemical fertilizers

Effect of excessive dose of MKP and Urea when used them for banana bunch development

Dear reader,  You are kindly requested to visit the link:   "Banana Bunch Care and procedures to maximize the bunch size",  which is a must read article that covers all aspects of bunch care and proven methods to increase the bunch size, before commence reading the following article. Thank you. A case of excessive dose of MKP and Urea when used them for banana bunch development and its detrimental effect: The two pictures shown here under were taken at a field where the farmer was asked to spray 0.5% MKP (Mono potassium phophate) + 1% Urea on bunches for bunch development. This wrong selection and overdose of chemicals has resulted in total spoilage of the bunch due to abnormal elongation...

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Posted in: 26 a. Banana Bunch care - Effect of excessive use of chemicals

Effect of excessive dose of Hexaconazole fungicide (Contaf) on Banana

Effect of excessive dose of Hexaconazole fungicide (Contaf) on Banana: Hexaconazole is a systemic, broad-spectrum fungicide mainly used on banana. It is widely used to control rhizome rot, corm dry rot and root rot in banana and the application rate is 1ml to 1.5ml per plant for rootzone drenching. Application of the above fungicide @1ml in 200 ml of water for drenching around the plant is enough for a month old plant, 1.25 ml in 500 ml for 2 months old and 1.5 ml in1litre for plants above 3 months. Here in the two pictures published here below, the injury caused to the the outer layers of the pseudo stem and the leaves is because of the root-zone application of Hexaconazole @ 6ml / 1litre for 3 month old plants by the farmer by mistake....

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Posted in: Injury due to Fungicide - Effect of wrong selection and excessive use of fungicide

Injury due to Gramoxone herbicide spray on Banana

Injury due to Gramoxone herbicide spray on Banana:  The pictures published down here under show injury to banana plants due to spraying of Gramoxone herbicide without spray hoods. During herbicide application, whether it is Gramoxone or Glyphosate, the following precautions should be taken: Use only recommended dose of herbicide.  Use spray nozzles that are specially designed for weedicide / herbicide application.  Apply them under low pressure.  Do not speed. A slow move, slower than the normal leisurely walk is the ideal speed for herbicide application.  Use spray hoods mounted on spray nozzles to prevent the herbicide product to escape and cause crop injury.  During spraying the spray hood should...

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Posted in: 42. Herbicide Injury - Effect of wrong selection and excessive use of Herbicide

Copper (Cu) deficiency symptoms

Copper (Cu) deficiency symptoms: Leaf mid rib and veins bend backwards resulting in umbrella shape appearance of the plants. Leaves appear yellow-bronze in colour. Control Measures: Spray copper sulphate @ 2g/l of water (neutralized with lime) at weekly interval for 2-3 weeks. ...

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Posted in: 37. Copper (Cu) deficiency symptoms