Banana weevil borer
Banana weevil borer is found in all major banana growing areas throughout the world. Bananas and other species of the genus Musa are the only known hosts.
Often infestations of banana weevil borer will go unnoticed until the plant falls out, as most of the damage is done by the tunnelling of the larvae within the corm. In heavy infestations, tunnelling will extend for a short distance up the pseudostem, the presence of tunnels can be seen if the pseudostem is cut close to the soil surface. Other typical symptoms include reduced plant growth, choking, yellowing leaves, and weak or dying suckers. If infestations are detected, monitoring is essential to determine the levels present and appropriate management actions.
Planting with clean material is essential to prevent banana weevil infestations. Plants from an accredited nursery are optimal, or the next best option is using clean planting material from your own farm.
More information
General information
For a general description for identification and detailed life cycle, seasonality and the damage that banana weevil borers can inflict on bananas click here.
Monitoring
Monitoring should occur in peak times to determine whether chemical treatments are needed or not. To learn more about types of traps that are available for monitoring click here.
Management options
For information on how to manage banana weevil borer infestations and how to avoid infestations to begin with click here.
This information is adapted from: Pinese, B., Piper. R 1994, Bananas insect and mite management, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland and Treverrow, N., Pearley D., and Ireland, G 1992 Banana weevil borer : a pest management handbook for banana growers. : NSW Agriculture, North Coast Region; NSW Banana Industry Committee; Horticultural Research & Development Corporation.
This information has been updated as part of the National Banana Development and Extension Program (BA19004) which is funded by Hort Innovation, using the banana industry research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. The Queensland Government has also co-funded the project through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
