Ingrid Jenkins – Better Bananas

Is your yellow Sigatoka management on track for the season ahead?

Posted on 2026-09-11 by Ingrid Jenkins

Is your yellow Sigatoka management on track for the season ahead?

As temperatures rise and conditions become more favourable for disease development, now is an ideal time to assess your yellow Sigatoka management program. The winter and spring period provides a valuable opportunity to remove infected leaf material and improve canopy health before the onset of the wet season.
Recent seasons have presented plenty of challenges for banana growers across Queensland’s wet tropics. Persistent rainfall and high humidity have created ideal conditions for disease pressure, making proactive management more important than ever.

To support growers, DPI’s Banana Extension Team has collaborated with plant pathologist David East to develop a range of yellow Sigatoka resources that highlight practical management strategies and best-practice recommendations.
David’s key recommendations include:

Make deleafing a routine part of your farm management program. Removing infected leaves is essential, as fungicide applications alone will not provide effective control.
Apply fungicides correctly and always follow label directions.
Remove diseased leaf material before applying systemic fungicides to maximise effectiveness and help reduce the risk of fungicide resistance.
Take advantage of the cooler, drier winter-spring period to clean up blocks before disease pressure increases during the wet season.

Good block hygiene and sound crop management can also play an important role in lowering disease pressure and supporting an effective yellow Sigatoka control program.

Resource links

The yellow Sigatoka information resources have been curated as part of the previous 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 Primary Industries.

FNQ 2026 Banana Roadshow Series

Posted on 2026-09-01 by Ingrid Jenkins

2026 FNQ Banana Roadshow Series Wrap-Up!

New development and extension program hits the ground running with successful roadshow series.

The new five-year National Banana Development and Extension Program, which commenced in May this year, has already hit the ground running, delivering the first events in its Banana Roadshow Series across Far North Queensland.

Held in Atherton, Tully and Innisfail in early August, the roadshows provided growers and industry stakeholders with the opportunity to hear the latest updates on a wide range of research and development initiatives impacting the Australian banana industry.

The program featured presentations on recent research findings covering biological bunch pest control, yellow Sigatoka, Sooty Blotch Flyspeck, Panama disease tropical race 4 (TR4), biosecurity, exotic pests and diseases, reef water quality, nitrogen rate trials, and variety development. Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) board members also provided an industry update.

One of the highlights of the series was the popular ‘Speed Date a Researcher’ session, where participants engaged in small group discussions with researchers. Feedback indicated this format was highly beneficial, allowing growers to ask questions and discuss issues directly with industry experts.

In a new addition to the program, attendees also participated in a one-hour ‘fundamentals’ session. This back-to-basics workshop covered the life cycles and key management principles of parasitic nematodes, yellow Sigatoka and bunch pests. Participants reported finding the session particularly valuable.

Interactive displays were also featured throughout the events, encouraging further discussion and knowledge sharing between researchers and participants.

The roadshows were attended by 185 growers and industry stakeholders across the three locations, with all participants who provided feedback indicating they had learned something new that would benefit their business. Attendees also provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on both the content and format of the events. Nearly 90% of attendees who provided feedback rated the events 7 or higher out of 9!

One banana grower commented, ‘Great format. Short, punchy talks and topics. Very informative, on time and kept the interest of attendees. Thanks for the day.’

Another grower described the roadshow as a ‘great learning experience.’

Industry stakeholders also valued the opportunity to engage directly with researchers and growers, with one participant noting it was a ‘great opportunity to learn more about the issues that matter to the industry and speak to some growers.’

The DPI Banana Extension Team would like to thank all growers and industry stakeholders who participated in the roadshows. Special thanks are extended to DPI banana researchers Jeff Daniells, Richard Piper, Daniel Farrell, Kathy Grice, David East, Alex Lindsay, Dr Tony Pattison and Dr Hazel Gaza for their valuable contributions. Appreciation is also extended to Leon Collins, Tayla Mackay and Andrew Serra (ABGC), Dr Lilia Carvalhais (QAAFI), Dr Anthony James (QUT), and Alicia Buckle (Terrain NRM).

The team would also like to acknowledge the support of the Banana Industry Communications Program team, Amy Spear and Skye Orsmond, for their assistance in promoting the events and capturing images and footage throughout the roadshow series.

View the roadshow highlights video below!

The Banana Roadshow Series is delivered by the National Banana Development and Extension Program (BA25001). This program has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the banana research and development levy, co-investment from the Department of Primary Industries, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

Strengthen your farm’s biosecurity this winter: Shed talks and key resources

Posted on 2026-06-22 by Ingrid Jenkins

Strengthen your farm’s biosecurity this winter: Shed talks and key resources

As the cooler months settle in and the pace of daily work eases slightly, now is the ideal time to bring the team together for some shed talks. This is a great opportunity to strengthen your farm’s biosecurity by focusing on staff training and raising awareness of potential threats. A small investment of time now could make a significant difference in safeguarding your livelihood.

Let’s work together to keep your farm safe and thriving. Are you ready to take action? Do your staff know what to watch for and how to respond if they notice anything unusual?

To get started, here are a few key pests to keep on your radar: Black Sigatoka, Banana freckle, Panama disease tropical race 4, Moko, Banana bunchy top virus.

To support your efforts, a variety of helpful resources are available. Here are a few key ones to explore:

If you’d like to discuss biosecurity on your farm or need assistance with training and information resources, please contact the DPI Banana Extension Team via betterbananas@dpi.qld.gov.au. Alternatively, you can reach out to ABGC’s Grower Support team via growersupport@abgc.org.au.

Remember: If you or your staff spot any unusual symptoms, please phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

This seasonal update was developed by the National Banana Development and Extension Program (BA25001) which is funded by Hort Innovation, using the banana research and development levy, co-investment from the Department of Primary Industries and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

Monitoring to improve supply chain handling

Posted on 2026-06-19 by Ingrid Jenkins

Monitoring to improve supply chain handling

Monitoring data suggests there are opportunities to enhance post harvest handling of bananas to deliver more consistent fruit quality.

Consignment monitoring data

Banana consignments risk market rejection if they arrive over-ripe or with chilling injury, often caused by dispatching, consolidating and/or transporting fruit at unsuitable temperatures. Monitoring of 51 Cavendish consignments using real-time autonomous data loggers across domestic and export supply chains revealed several areas for improvement. Here is a snapshot of the findings:

80% of consignments were dispatched at temperatures exceeding 20°C. Fruit should be pre-cooled to 13-14°C before being dispatched.

Warmer handling temperatures were linked to consignment rejection due to fruit arriving in the domestic market with advanced peel colour.

Export fruit underwent inconsistent ethylene gas-ripening, ranging from 1-3 days at 15-17°C.

Approximately 25% of domestic road freight loads and nearly 70% of airfreight export shipments experienced temperatures below 13°C for periods ranging from 6 hours to 9 days.
Export consignments were exposed to temperatures below 13°C when transported with mixed commodity loads requiring lower storage temperatures (e.g. 5°C).

Supply chain simulation trials

While monitoring the consignments, controlled supply chain simulation trials were conducted to assess the effects of various handling scenarios on fruit quality. These trials provided a clearer understanding of the impact of postharvest handling. Here is a snapshot of the findings:

Pre-cooling of fruit from an ambient 31°C to 14°C in 6 hours reduced rates of peel colour development by 22% compared to bananas that were gradually cooled to 14°C during 4 days of simulated road transport.
A standard ethylene treatment with 100 parts per million of ethylene for 2 days at 16°C was optimal for coordinating rapid uniform fruit ripening.
Exposure of summer produced fruit to temperatures of 10-12°C for 24-48 hours was sufficient to cause visible chilling injury, which could lead to consignment rejection.
Insulated packaging was identified as an option to reduce the risk of fruit developing chilling injury.
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) was found to extend the fruit storage life by 1-2 days and reduce the risk of mould development 10-fold relative to standard perforated plastic liners during simulated sea freight for 3-4 weeks.

Key takeaways

Affordable real-time temperature dataloggers provide alerts if fruit are handled too warm or cold, enabling rapid intervention to reduce losses. Monitoring consignments safeguards grower returns, strengthens logistics, and helps cut food waste. (Factsheet for more information)
Regular monitoring, communication and sharing of information between supply chain partners is critical for increasing trust and collaboration and improving fruit quality outcomes.
Insulated packaging can slow rates of fruit cooling in cold storage environments, with Air-cell liners extending protection by 6-7 hours and Styrofoam boxes by up to 19 hours. Prompt transfer to 14-15°C on arrival prevents damage, reduces waste, and maintains quality. (Fact sheet for more information)
MAP, including biodegradable options, offers producers and exporters an effective solution to maintain fruit freshness and reduce waste. (Fact sheet for more information)
The Ripen Right app for predicting fruit chilling and ripening outcomes is now available (see below)

More information and resources

Ripen Right

This interactive app is designed to support informed decision making by growers and their supply chain partners to reduce banana waste by predicting chilling injury risk and fruit ripening outcomes. Developed from over five years of research, it combines real-world monitoring, laboratory trials, and fruit assessments to guide supply chain decisions. The Chilling Injury Tool estimates rejection risk from low-temperature exposure, while the Colour Development Tool predicts peel colour stage from temperature–time data for post-ripened fruit. Together, they support growers, packers, and exporters to optimise storage, transport, and ripening practices, reducing industry losses and ensuring better fruit quality at market.

Download fact sheets

If you want to get in touch with the researchers of this work, contact the DPI Banana Extension team via email: betterbananas@dpi.qld.gov.au

Grower collaboration and acknowledgement

This collaborative work was undertaken with Pacific Coast Eco Bananas growers and their Ecoganic®, organic and conventional fruit. We thank them for their collaboration and willingness to share insights with the broader industry.

This work has been supported by the End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre, whose activities are funded by the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centre Program, plus investment from Department of Primary Industries and Pacific Coast Produce.

Biosecurity in Action: Michael’s Story

Posted on 2026-04-27 by Ingrid Jenkins

Biosecurity in Action: Michael's Story

By Ingrid Jenkins on behalf of the DPI Banana Extension Team

Safeguarding a family legacy

On the picturesque mid-north coast of New South Wales, third-generation banana farmer Michael Singh is taking proactive steps to safeguard his family’s 30-acre farm near Woolgoolga. With devastating diseases like Fusarium wilt already impacting and continuing to threaten banana-growing regions, Michael has embraced biosecurity as a key focus of his farming practices. Determined to protect his livelihood and secure a future for the next generation, Michael’s journey highlights the importance of planning, collaboration and taking action.

The threat of Fusarium wilt

Michael and his family currently grow Dwarf Rossi and Ducasse banana varieties. Both are highly susceptible to Fusarium wilt race 1 and subtropical race 4, which continue to spread across New South Wales banana-growing regions, significantly impacting growers.

There is also the ever-present risk of the introduction of the virulent strain, Fusarium wilt tropical race 4, which is not currently in NSW. Biosecurity is a big focus for Michael, who said: ‘As a third-generation banana farmer, with my son now stepping in as the fourth, we have a long history of growing bananas. I want to ensure that we can continue to grow bananas in years to come. That’s why I couldn’t just sit on my hands and hope we didn’t get Panama disease. Investing in biosecurity is about protecting everything we’ve worked for and securing a future for my son and the business.’

Building stronger biosecurity practices

Over the past 12 months, Michael has significantly enhanced his biosecurity measures, building on his existing practices such as exclusion zoning – limiting non-essential entry into his farm, boot exchange with dedicated farm boots, entry footbath, signage, and a secure front gate.

Michael is also proactive in having conversations with delivery drivers and service providers about his biosecurity procedures, ensuring that they use the dedicated footbath, disinfect their floor mats and providing an overview of what’s required of them. ‘Once they get the idea it’s OK. However, people can become complacent, so you need to keep on top of who is visiting and make sure they are doing the right thing,’ Michael said.

Among his new initiatives, Michael has constructed a perimeter fence along the boundary of a neighbouring banana farm to prevent the crossover of vehicles, machinery, and people. Additionally, he has developed a gravel carpark area that doubles as a space for vehicle cleaning and disinfecting for equipment, vehicles and vehicle floor mats. To support this, Michael installed a high-pressure cleaning system, which includes a slab and purpose-built cabinet to house a high-pressure washer. Above the washer sits a 1000-litre shuttle containing the disinfectant solution, which uses gravity to prime the system—eliminating the need for a separate pump.

Other simple biosecurity measures Michael has implemented

Conversations that led to action

Michael had been considering implementing these new initiatives to strengthen his biosecurity for some time. He sought advice and exchanged ideas with several key biosecurity experts, including ABGC’s R&D Manager Rosie Godwin, Tegan Cavallaro and Stewart Lindsay from Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI), and Steven Norman from New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). However, as Michael noted, having the knowledge and engaging in regular discussions about biosecurity doesn’t always lead to action.

A key moment came for Michael late last year when Far North Queensland banana farmer and ABGC board member Andrew Serra visited his farm. Over dinner that evening, a grower-to-grower conversation with Andrew became the turning point that inspired Michael to finally put his long-considered plans for a wash-down area and disinfecting system into action. ‘Timing is everything. I was out installing a fence when Andrew visited, and we started talking about biosecurity. Andrew was able to offer advice specific to my farm and business. Every farm is different, with its own unique layout, topography, size of business and Andrew understood that what worked for him wouldn’t necessarily work for me. Instead, he helped me think through what would be the best approach for my situation. Having those earlier conversations with key experts was invaluable, and when I spoke with another grower like Andrew, it all came together, and we were able to figure out the right solution,’ Michael said.

Michael has kept his biosecurity measures as simple as possible and is confident that they are well-suited to his farm’s specific needs. While he acknowledges that some factors affecting his farm are beyond his control, he is confident that he is doing everything possible to manage the aspects within his control.

Paying it forward

When asked how he would ‘pay it forward’ and share the advice he received with other growers thinking about biosecurity, Michael said: ‘Take the first step and make a change – don’t put it in the too-hard basket. Start having conversations. There are industry experts and fellow growers who are more than willing to share their experiences and knowledge to help.’

Get in touch

If you’d like to discuss biosecurity on your farm or need assistance connecting with other growers, please contact the DPI Banana Extension Team on 13 25 23 or email betterbananas@dpi.qld.gov.au.

Acknowledgements

A heartfelt thank you to Michael Singh for generously sharing his story and taking the time to contribute to this article.

Funding acknowledgement

This story has been written as part of the National Banana Development and Extension Program (BA25001). This program is funded by Hort Innovation, using the banana industry research and development levies, co-investment from the Department of Primary Industries and contributions from the Australian Government.

Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

Agronomic evaluation of Lady Finger-like varieties – first ratoon results

Posted on 2026-01-21 by Ingrid Jenkins

First ratoon results - agronomic evaluation of Lady Finger-like varieties

(Trial established December 2022)

Exploring new options for Australia's Lady Finger growers

By Katie Robertson, Jeff Daniells, Sharan Muthukumar and Carole Wright (December 2025)

Latest update...

The agronomic performance and taste of several Lady Finger-like varieties were evaluated over a plant crop and first ratoon at the South Johnstone Research Facility. The semi-dwarf Lady Finger selection, SCS451 from Brazil, looks promising with its high yield, short stature, pendulous bunch and desirable eating characteristics. On-farm trials are currently in progress on the Atherton Tablelands, examining the Fusarium wilt Race 1 resistance of several of these varieties.

As Fusarium wilt Race 1 continues to spread across Lady Finger production areas in Queensland and New South Wales, the search is on for alternative, disease-resistant varieties which could help reinforce this small, yet important share of Australian banana production. Under the project BA21002 ‘New varieties for Australian banana growers’, the agronomic performance of several Lady Finger-like varieties (Lady Finger selections, Lady Finger hybrids, Silk hybrids) with purported resistance to Fusarium wilt Race 1, were evaluated over a plant crop and first ratoon at the South Johnstone Research Facility. In-house taste panels were also conducted to gain preliminary feedback on the fruits’ eating quality and see how they align with consumer taste preferences. Staff were asked to rate their overall eating experience of the fruit on a scale of 1 – 9 (dislike extremely – like extremely) and leave any comments to further explain their rating.

The plant crop results are summarised in the August 2024 edition of Australian Bananas (pp. 22 – 23), which highlighted and explained the offtype issues identified in the control Lady Finger plants. This problem subsequently left only one plant for comparison with the new varieties. However, earlier studies on the research station suggest the data from this plant is agronomically similar in terms of height and finger length, but cycle time was more rapid than what has previously been observed (which would be more comparable to SCS451).

Key findings

Some key findings from the completed trial are as follows:

Japira, Pacovan Ken, Pacovan and SCS451 produced the heaviest bunches, with the latter three yielding the highest across a 12-month average (cumulative yield) when cycle time was accounted for.
SCS451 was shorter in stature than the other varieties at 3.5 m, followed by Platina at 4.0 m. Princesa and Tropical were comparable to Lady Finger at 4.3 m, while the remaining varieties were taller (the tallest was Japira at 5.4 m). As was noted in the plant crop, the increased height made several aspects of crop management more challenging.
Japira had the longest fruit, measuring 24.6 cm on the third hand, while Princesa and Tropical had the shortest fruit (16.8 cm).
Despite Tropical bunches emerging in winter in the first ratoon, it had the shortest fruit filling period of 107 days. However, it took longer to reach bunch emergence, resulting in it having the slowest cycle time overall.
Bunches of the SCS451 threw well clear of the throat which contrasted with the related Santa Catarina Prata that often exhibits various degrees of choke-throat symptoms. Pacovan and Pacovan Ken also exhibited more pendulous bunches than Lady Finger.
The taste ratings improved for all varieties in the first ratoon compared to their relatively poor performance in the plant crop, except SCS451 which maintained a consistent score of ‘like moderately’. It was enjoyed for its balanced sweetness/acidity and firmer texture.
In the case of Princesa, it jumped from having a rating of 4.1 (dislike slightly) to being on par with SCS451 in the first ratoon with a ‘like moderately’ rating. One explanation for this is that fruit in the plant crop contained several mature seeds which negatively impacted the eating experience (although comments were also made on it having an unpleasant flavour). However, no seeds were present in the first ratoon fruit, and the texture was positively described with words like ‘soft’ and ‘creamy’. Several comments were made about its ‘unique’ and ‘unusual’ flavour with some describing it to have notes of passionfruit or papaya.
In the first ratoon SCS451, Princesa and Pacovan achieved comparable taste scores to Lady Finger (‘like moderately’).
Pacoua and Pacovan Ken remained the least favoured varieties out of those tasted, primarily attributed to their softer, ‘slimy’ texture.

Several of these varieties are being screened to confirm Race 1 resistance in two on-farm trials on the Atherton Tablelands. Look out for an update on plant crop results from those trials in a future issue of Australian Bananas.

Results

Table: The yield and plant characteristics along with the score of the fruit’s overall eating experience. Mature bunches from the varieties Japira and Tropical were unavailable at the correct time to include in the taste panelling for the first ratoon.

More information...

This research has been funded as part of the project New varieties for Australian banana growers (BA21002), 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 Primary Industries.

Keep vigilant on banana freckle

Posted on 2025-10-01 by Ingrid Jenkins

By Ingrid Jenkins – DPI Banana Extension Team

Keep vigilant on banana freckle!

Banana freckle is an exotic fungal disease of bananas that can negatively impact plant health, productivity and fruit quality. The disease is caused by the fungus Phyllosticta and different species can impact different varieties.

In 2013, the species Phyllosticta cavendishii was first detected in the Northern Territory. This race affects Cavendish and non-Cavendish bananas, posing a significant risk to the Australian banana industry, with Cavendish bananas accounting for approximately 97% of production.

Since the initial detection, P. cavendishii has been subject to eradication responses under Australia’s national emergency response arrangements. In December 2024, the National Management Group agreed that banana freckle is not technically feasible to eradicate from Australia and the response in the Northern Territory will transition to the next phase being long-term management of the disease supported by official control requirements.¹

Movement restrictions are in place to stop the movement of plants, plant material and fruit from infected or suspect premises. Further, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia prohibit the entry of banana fruit and plant material from the Northern Territory, with quarantine checkpoints at some state borders.

Symptoms of banana freckle on a leaf of a cultivar in the Cavendish subgroup © Department of Primary Industries

Banana freckle symptoms on Cavendish fruit © Department of Primary Industries

Symptoms and how it spreads.

Symptoms include small dark raised spots, 1 – 4mm in diameter on banana fruit and leaves. The raised texture is a result of the fungal structures protruding through the plant surface and have a sandpapery feel when you touch them. The spots may join to form streaks.²

Banana freckle is considered a ‘wet-spore’ organism and moves short distances by water droplet splash and wind-driven rain. The fungus is spread over larger distances by people moving infected fruit, leaves and suckers used for planting.²

Also present in Australia is Phyllostica maculata that causes similar symptoms on bananas. Banana freckle caused by P. maculata is very uncommon in Queensland and affects Lady Finger and Bluggoe varieties but not Cavendish.²

Phyllosticta musarum is another species that can cause banana freckle overseas, however it has not been detected in Australia.²

Putting banana freckle in the conversation!

Symptoms of banana freckle on fruit of a cultivar in the Cavendish subgroup © Department of Primary Industries

Symptoms of banana freckle on a leaf of a cultivar in the Cavendish subgroup. Aggregates of spots are often associated with leaf veins as illustrated in this image. © Department of Primary Industries

Banana plants with severe banana freckle symptoms in Indonesian plantation © Department of Primary Industries

Vigilance is key. If you see something, say something.

To keep the Australian banana industry safe, it’s important that banana growers and anyone who grows backyard bananas of any variety, regularly check plants and report anything unusual by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

More information:

Plant Health Australia

Queensland Government

Northern Territory Government

Australian Government

ABGC

Better Bananas – problem solver

References:

Australian Government – Outbreak Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases. Banana freckle (Phyllostica cavendishii) [Internet]. Australia; 2023 Sept 7 [cited 2025 Sept 23]. Available from: https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/banana-freckle
Queensland Government – Business Queensland. Banana Freckle [Internet]. Queensland; 2025 Aug 5 [cited 2025 Sept 23]. Available from: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/plants/priority-pest-disease/banana-freckle

This information has been curated as part of the National Banana Development and Extension Program, funded by Hort Innovation, using the banana 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 Primary Industries.

Volume and timing trials for bunch protection

Posted on 2025-07-04 by Ingrid Jenkins

Volume and timing trials for bunch protection

About the trials

Volume and timing trials for bell injection and bunch spraying were conducted by the DPI extension team, after some growers expressed concern of not achieving adequate control of bunch pests.

Several trials have been completed to confirm and compare efficacy of registered chemistries as well as gain a better understanding of the importance of volume, coverage and timing of application.

The trials at the South Johnstone Research Facility in Far North Queensland looked at the effects of different treatments on the level of damage caused by the three main banana bunch pests treated via bell injection and bunch spraying.

Key findings

Banana scab moth

Inject bells in the upright position. Bells injected late in the horizontal position had significantly more banana scab moth damage (nearly 25% of hands) compared to the best practice treatment that had no damage. See figure 1 below. The image carousel below shows the two timing treatments used in the trial.
This trial also demonstrated that coverage is important. The best practice treatment of injecting bells in the upright position with full volume was the only treatment that was significantly less than the water control.

Best practice treatment. Bells injected in the upright position.

Late timing treatment. Bells injected in horizontal position.

Banana flower thrips

Bell injecting with 60mL volume at permitted rates provided good control of banana flower thrips. Initial work found that bell injecting with acephate at 40mL volume @ label rate did not provide good control of banana flower thrips. Subsequent trials found good control was achieved by increasing the volume to 60mL @ label rate.
Bell injecting with 60mL of either acephate or spinetoram at permitted rates provided good control of banana flower thrips. Bells injected with spinetoram had significantly less damage compared to bells injected with acephate at label rates. However, acephate still provided acceptable control at the 60mL volume, below the mean damage threshold of 1. See Figure 2 below.

Banana rust thrips

Multiple trials using 50-60mL of spinetoram solution as a bunch spray has consistently achieved good control of banana rust thrips. Note, this is in combination with bell injecting with acephate solution.
Both air assisted and hydraulic systems have been effective in providing effective coverage required for control.
Trial assessments of banana rust thrips damage were undertaken on mature fruit at harvest.
In accordance with the label, bunches were sprayed with spinetoram solution after the bunch cover was applied.

Tips!

Always use registered products in accordance with the label and check rates and volumes before use.
Regularly check and calibrate equipment to ensure effective application and safety.
Good even coverage is important for effective control.
Mix insecticide solutions well and use spinetoram solution within 72 hours of being mixed.
Reminder! There is a permit (PER87198) for bell injection with spinetoram and the rate is different to the rate used for bunch spraying as per the product label.

More information:

DPI Banana Extension Team
Department of Primary Industries
South Johnstone
13 25 23 or email betterbananas@dpi.qld.gov.au

This research has been undertaken 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 Primary Industries.

Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) and the Queensland Government make no representations and expressly disclaim all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in this factsheet. Reliance on any information provided by Hort Innovation and the Queensland Government is entirely at your own risk. Hort Innovation and the Queensland Government are not responsible for, and will not be liable for, any loss, damage, claim, expense, cost (including legal costs) or other liability arising in any way (including from Hort Innovation and the Queensland Government or any other person’s negligence or otherwise) from your use or non-use of this factsheet or from reliance on information contained in the material or that Hort Innovation and the Queensland Government provides to you by any other means.

Bunch spray technology

Posted on 2025-07-03 by Ingrid Jenkins

Bunch spray technology trial

About the trial

To support growers transition from bunch dusting to bunch spraying, the DPI extension team have investigated alternative bunch spray systems that deliver good coverage for controlling banana rust thrips.

The trial consisted of three different air assisted systems and three different hydraulic systems, comparing their effectiveness in achieving adequate coverage of insecticide solution, required for controlling banana rust thrips. Bells were injected with a 60mL volume of acephate solution and liners and bunch covers were tied with flues (opening left in top of bag). As per the label, 50-60mL of spinetoram solution was applied to bunches after the liner and bunch cover had been placed on the bunch.

Assessments for banana rust thrips damage was undertaken at harvest, with all fingers in a bunch assessed for damage.

Hydraulic systems - delivering 28psi with 12v pump

Treatment 1 – Spray wand from underneath the bag

Teejet grey adjustable nozzle (38720-PPB-X8)

Spray applied from underneath the bunch cover and liner. Spraying from the top hand to the bottom in a zig-zag motion for 5-6 seconds.

Treatment 2 – Spray wand from underneath and top of bag

Teejet grey adjustable nozzle (38720-PPB-X8)

Spray applied via the flue at the top of the bunch cover for 2 seconds. Then applied underneath the bunch cover and liner from top hand to the bottom in a zig-zag motion for 3-4 seconds.

Treatment 3 – Spray ring prototype

3 x 0.75 (BETE FF028-145) nozzles

Ring was slid underneath the liner and bunch cover and spray was applied from top hand to bottom hand for 3-3.5 seconds. *Note, the ring was difficult to get up underneath the liner and bunch cover and was not easy to use or time efficient.

Air-assisted systems - delivering 28psi with 12v air compressor

Treatment 4 – Aeropro spray gun

2.5mm nozzle opened half of a turn

Spray applied from reaching under the bunch cover and liner, spraying up at a 45-degree angle as far around the bunch and down to the bottom hands in a zig zag motion for 5-6 seconds.

Treatment 5 – Star S-770 spray gun

1.2mm nozzle opened one and a half turns

Spray applied from reaching under the bunch cover and liner, spraying up at a 45-degree angle as far around the bunch and down to the bottom hands in a zig-zag motion for 4-5 seconds.

Treatment 6 – Prototype air sprayer

using 12v air compressor and 12v pump

Spray applied from just underneath the bunch cover and liner, spraying from the bottom of the bag pointing upwards for 3-3.5 seconds.

Key findings

All air-assist and hydraulic chemical spray treatments provided good control of banana rust thrips (Figure 1).
Greater than 96% of all fingers in bunches across all treatments recorded no damage. This compared to 47% of fingers in the water control.
Positioning the spray ring (treatment 3) underneath the liner and bunch cover was difficult and the time taken would not make it commercially feasible.
Growers that have previously dusted can easily modify their current compressed air system to trial the air-assisted options.

Air-pressurised spray gun system with Mark McAvoy

The DPI extension team in collaboration with banana grower Mark McAvoy put together a demonstration video of the spray gun system Mark uses on his farm for bunch spraying.

More information:

The DPI Banana Extension Team
Department of Primary Industries
South Johnstone
13 25 23 or email betterbananas@dpi.qld.gov.au

This research has been undertaken 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 Primary Industries.

Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) and the Queensland Government make no representations and expressly disclaim all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in this factsheet. Reliance on any information provided by Hort Innovation and the Queensland Government is entirely at your own risk. Hort Innovation and the Queensland Government are not responsible for, and will not be liable for, any loss, damage, claim, expense, cost (including legal costs) or other liability arising in any way (including from Hort Innovation and the Queensland Government or any other person’s negligence or otherwise) from your use or non-use of this factsheet or from reliance on information contained in the material or that Hort Innovation and the Queensland Government provides to you by any other means.

Timing of bunch cover application and its effect on bunch pests

Posted on 2025-05-14 by Ingrid Jenkins

Timing of bunch cover application and its effect on bunch pests

About the trial

Far North Queensland growers have reported that the biggest issues affecting their yield and quality are birds/bats and banana rust thrips.

Bagging bunches is an important practice that protects developing fruit from leaf rubbing, banana rust thrips, and birds/bats.

This trial compared the effect of the timing of bunch cover application, comparing early bagging (applied to a newly emerged bell before hands are visible) to traditional bagging (at pruning) and examined the effect on damage caused by bunch pests.

Timing of traditional bagging treatment used for the trial

Timing of early bagging treatment used for the trial

Key findings

Birds and bats

Bunches that were bagged ‘early’ had a significantly lower number of hands damaged by animal scratches (0.37%) compared to those that were bagged at ‘traditional’ timing (57%), refer to Figure 1 below.

Banana rust thrips

Bunches that were bagged early had a significantly lower number of fingers with banana rust thrips damage (3%) compared to traditional bagging (20%), refer to Figure 2 below.
Tying a bag and/or liner early provides a barrier to banana rust thrips moving down the stalk into the bunch (see image below).

Banana flower thrips

As expected, early bagging had no significant effect on banana flower thrips damage, as control is mainly achieved through chemical application via bell injection.

Banana scab moth

Not enough data was collected for banana scab moth damage. Only a few bunches had damage, indicating low pressure at the time of the trial.

More information:

The DPI Banana Extension Team
Department of Primary Industries
South Johnstone
13 25 23 or email betterbananas@dpi.qld.gov.au

This trial has been undertaken 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 Primary Industries.

Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) and the Queensland Government make no representations and expressly disclaim all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in this factsheet. Reliance on any information provided by Hort Innovation and the Queensland Government is entirely at your own risk. Hort Innovation and the Queensland Government are not responsible for, and will not be liable for, any loss, damage, claim, expense, cost (including legal costs) or other liability arising in any way (including from Hort Innovation and the Queensland Government or any other person’s negligence or otherwise) from your use or non-use of this factsheet or from reliance on information contained in the material or that Hort Innovation and the Queensland Government provides to you by any other means.