Cause: The bacteria Pectobacterium spp. (formerly known as Erwinia spp.) that are common soil inhabitants. Plants that are stressed during the dry season can succumb to invasion during the wet season.
Cause: Not enough oxygen for the roots caused by too much water in the soil from rainfall or irrigation.
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. The fungus 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. There are several “races” of the disease which affect different varieties.
Cause: Glyphosate spray drift onto green parts of the plant. The first symptom is yellowing of leaves.
Cause: Burrowing nematode feeding on roots weakens the plant’s root system.
Solution: Check roots over the whole field to determine if nematodes are the problem and if a nematicide treatment is necessary. Propping or tying string between plants may prevent some losses.
Cause: Incorrect bunch and tree support.
Solution: Ensure tying or propping is done correctly.
Cause: Extreme heat and or dry conditions.
Solution: Use water scheduling techniques to supply sufficient water to meet the plants’ requirements.