Stem shatters

2,4-D damage

Photo shows extreme symptoms © Department of Primary Industries

Cause: Injection of 2,4-D will kill the plant. Overspray or drift from herbicide application may cause lesser symptoms.  

Solution: Be extremely careful with chemical applications.

Banana streak virus

© Department of Primary Industries

Cause: The banana streak virus (BSV). Symptom expression is sporadic. Symptoms of cucumber mosaic are similar. 

Solution: Do not take planting material from infected plants. Eradicate infected plants where symptoms are observed. Confirm diagnosis by looking for yellow black streaks or flashes on leaves or by laboratory tests. 

Frost

© Department of Primary Industries

Cause: Frost during the growing season.

Solution: No cure for damaged plants. Slightly damaged plants may grow out of it.

Panama disease (Fusarium wilt)

Image showing splitting of the pseudostem © Department of Primary Industries

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 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).

More info:

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

ABGC Grower Support Biosecurity (Grower kit)

Plant Health Australia

More images

Tissue-cultured off-type

© Department of Primary Industries

Cause: A genetic abnormality that occurs in tissue-cultured plants. 

Solution: Remove affected plants and set additional following suckers on nearby plants.