Rust or bronzing on fruit
Banana rust thrips
Cause: Feeding by Chaetanaphothrips signipennis from bract fall to harvest causes a rust brown skin discoloration. This symptom should not be mistaken for maturity bronzing, which is more prevalent on the outer exposed areas of the fingers.
Solution: Soil treatments for banana weevil borer will help control the soil thrips population. Treat bunches at the time of bunch covering.
More info:
Banana rust thrips — general information and monitoring and control options
More images
![](https://betterbananas.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RBF02.jpg)
Maturity bronzing
Cause: Oxidation of cell contents, possibly from a water and nutritional imbalance, causes the epidermal cells to discolour, lift and break.
Control: In the short term, bunches should be harvested early before symptoms become more severe. Avoid water and nutrient stresses in the plant.
More info:
Maturity bronzing—stretching the limits on fruit quality
![](https://betterbananas.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RBF03.jpg)
Spray burn
Cause: Incorrect chemical application rates, problems with compatibility or environmental conditions.
Solution: Check that you are using registered chemicals and are applying them at the correct rates. Make sure that your spray application equipment is cleaned regularly.
![](https://betterbananas.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RBF04.jpg)
Silvering thrips
Cause: Feeding by Hercinothrips bicinctus.
Solution: This is a minor and rare pest of bananas grown in north Queensland. No specific treatments are required.
![](https://betterbananas.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RBF05.jpg)
![](https://betterbananas.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RBF05-2.jpg)