Yellow leaves
Banana bunchy top
Biosecurity Alert!
Cause: The banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) which is spread on infected planting material and by the banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa). BBTV is not present in tropical Australia, and movement of planting material is controlled by legislation.
Solution: There is no cure for this disease and all infected plants must be eradicated.
Reporting: Under state legislation, banana bunchy top disease must be reported. If you have seen plants with banana bunchy top symptoms within the Southern Queensland banana biosecurity zone, or the NSW Banana Bunchy Top Virus Control Zone contact the Banana Bunchy Top Hotline on 1800 068 371.
If you have seen banana bunchy top outside of these areas, you must report it within 24 hours to the Biosecurity authority in your state (Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23, or NSW DPI Biosecurity Hotline 1800 680 244) or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
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Nitrogen deficiency
Cause: Insufficient nitrogen available for the plant due to inadequate fertiliser applications or leaching and gaseous loss of the nitrogen fertiliser applied.
Solution: Appropriate application of nitrogen fertiliser. You need to know your soil type, climate, past fertiliser program, and soil and leaf analysis results when determining the fertiliser rate.
Potassium deficiency
Cause: Reduced availability of potassium for plant uptake. Enhanced by leaching losses of potassium and/or inappropriate fertilisation.
Solution: Appropriate application of potassium fertiliser. Knowledge of your soil type, climate, past fertiliser program, and soil and leaf analyses need to be considered in determining fertiliser rate.
Magnesium deficiency
Cause: Reduced availability of magnesium for plant update. Usually due to inappropriate fertilisation causing an imbalance.
Solution: Appropriate application of magnesium fertiliser. Knowledge of your soil type, climate, past fertiliser program, and soil and leaf analyses all need to be considered in determining fertiliser rate.
Water-logging
Cause: Poor soil aeration which reduces root function and leads to water and nutrient stress.
Solution: Depends on soil type and situation but usually involves surface and subsurface drainage works.
Panama disease (Fusarium wilt)
Biosecurity Alert
Cause: The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense which is a soil-borne organism. It is spread in water, soil and planting material. It enters the plant through the roots, and blocks the conducting tissue within the plant resulting in wilting, yellowing of leaves, splitting of pseudostem and death of the plant.
Solution: There is no cure for affected plants. Use only approved planting material and do not plant in previously infested areas.
Biosecurity obligation: Panama is a notifiable disease and you must report any suspicious plants. If you suspect Panama disease you must notify Biosecurity Queensland immediately (13 25 23).
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