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Bananas may be one of the most popular fruits sold in the United States. Grown commercially as a food source, bananas also feature prominently in warm region gardens and conservatories, making striking additions to the landscape. When planted in areas with plenty of sun, bananas are not all that hard to grow, but problems with banana plants are bound to crop up nonetheless. What kinds of banana plant pests and diseases are there? Keep reading to find out how to solve problems with banana plants.
The Abyssinian banana tree also known as Ensete ventricosum, is a gorgeous ornamental plant prized for its massive leaves and tropical vibe. However, these beauties are susceptible to borers – sneaky insects that bore into stems and trunks damaging plants from the inside out.
If you suspect borers are munching away on your Abyssinian banana, it’s time to spring into action. Getting rid of these pests quickly and effectively is key to saving your plant. We’ll walk you through identifying borers, using organic remedies, trying chemical treatments, and prevention methods to keep your banana tree healthy and borer-free.
Recognizing Borer Infestations
The first step to banishing borers is learning to recognize when they’ve invaded your Abyssinian banana. Keep an eye out for these common signs:
- Wilting leaves or yellowing foliage
- Dieback of branches
- Small holes in stems or trunk with sawdust-like “frass” around them
- Dead or drying leaves while the rest of the plant looks healthy
Inspect your banana’s trunk and stems regularly, especially near the soil line where borers often enter. Act quickly at the first sign of damage to get infestations under control before they destroy your plant.
Organic Borer Treatments
Natural and organic solutions are ideal for gently and safely ridding your Abyssinian banana of borers. Here are some of the most effective options:
Beneficial Nematodes
These microscopic worms seek out and kill borer larvae in the soil. Apply them around the base of your banana tree according to package instructions. They’ll work below ground to wipe out borers where they breed.
Neem Oil
Derived from the neem tree, this organic oil destroys a variety of pests when sprayed on plants It smothers and starves borers while being safe for people, pets, and your Abyssinian banana.
Insecticidal Soap
Like neem oil, insecticidal soap kills small bugs through suffocation and dehydration. Spray it directly on borer entry points The soap disrupts the pests’ cell membranes, but doesn’t harm your plant
Manual Removal
If you spot entry holes with live borers inside, dig them out carefully with a wire or knife. Remove any larvae and seal holes with tree wound paste to protect your plant from further invasion.
Chemical Borer Treatments
For severe borer problems, you may need the big guns. When used properly, these chemical solutions can eliminate large infestations.
Imidacloprid
This systemic insecticide is absorbed by plants, circulating through tissue to kill chewing and sucking insects. Use a soil drench or trunk injection near borer entry points. Avoid using it during bloom to protect pollinators.
Bifenthrin
As a broad-spectrum pyrethroid insecticide, Bifenthrin kills borers on contact when sprayed on your Abyssinian banana. It can also keep working for weeks to prevent new attacks. Exercise caution and follow instructions carefully when applying.
Carbaryl
Available under brand names like Sevin, Carbaryl has been used for decades to control boring insects. It can quickly knock down even heavy borer populations. Be sure to take safety measures when handling this potent chemical.
Preventing Borers
Vigilance and proper care is the best defense against future borer invasions. Here are tips for keeping them away:
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Maintain overall plant health with ample sun, nutrients, and water. Healthy plants resist pests.
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Prune dead branches and leaves which provide entry points.
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Check frequently for signs of borers – early detection makes treatment easier.
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Avoid stress from overwatering, drought, damage, etc. which makes plants more vulnerable.
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Use row covers or tree wraps around the trunk over winter to block borers.
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Introduce beneficial insects like wasps that prey on borers.
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Rotate chemical treatments to prevent borers from building resistance.
By identifying borer invaders early and taking swift action, you can protect your beloved Abyssinian banana from these destructive pests. Combining organic treatments, chemical solutions, and preventive care will help ensure your banana tree remains vigorous, healthy, and borer-free for years to come.
Growing Banana Plant Problems
Bananas are monocotyledonous herbaceous plants, not trees, of which there are two species– Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana, native to southeast Asia. Most banana cultivars are hybrids of these two species. Bananas were most likely introduced to the New World by southeast Asians around 200 B.C. and by Portuguese and Spanish explorers in the early 16th century. The majority of bananas are not hardy and are susceptible to even a light freeze. Extreme cold damage results in the dieback of the crown. Leaves will also naturally shed in exposed areas, an adaptation to tropical storms. Leaves may droop from under or overwatering while brown edges indicate a lack of water or humidity. Another growing banana plant problem is the plant’s size and propensity to spread. Keep that in mind when locating a banana in your garden. Along with these concerns, there are many banana pests and diseases that may afflict a banana plant.
A number of insect pests can affect banana plants. Here are the most common:
- Nematodes: Nematodes are a common banana plant pest. They cause rotting of the corms and act as a vector to the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. There are a number of different species of nematode that like bananas as much as we do. Commercial farmers apply nematicides, which when properly applied, will protect the crop. Otherwise, the soil has to be cleared, plowed, and then exposed to the sun and left fallow for up to three years.
- Weevils: The black weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) or banana stalk borer, banana weevil borer, or corm weevil is the second most destructive pest. Black weevils attack the base of the pseudostem and tunnel upward whereupon a jelly-like sap oozes out from the entry point. Different pesticides are used commercially depending upon the country to control black weevils. Biological control utilizes a predator, Piaesius javanus, but has not been shown to have any truly beneficial results.
- Thrips: Banana rust thrips (C. signipennis), as its name suggests, stains the peel, causing it to split and exposes the flesh which then begins to rot. Insecticidal dust (Diazinon) or a spraying of Dieldrin can control thrips, which pupate in the soil. Additional insecticides combined with polyethylene bagging are also used to control thrips on commercial farms.
- Scarring beetle: The banana fruit scarring beetle, or coquito, invades the bunches when the fruit is young. The banana scab moth infests the inflorescence and is controlled with the use of an injection or dusting of pesticide.
- Sap-sucking insects: Mealybugs, red spider mites, and aphids may also pay a visit to banana plants.
There are quite a number of banana plant diseases that can afflict this plant as well.
- Sigatoka: Sigatoka, also known as leaf spot, is caused by the fungus Mycospharella musicola. It is most commonly found in areas of poorly draining soil and areas of heavy dew. The initial stages show small, pale spots on the leaves that gradually enlarge to about a half inch (1 cm.) in size and become purple/black with gray centers. If the whole plant is infected, it looks as if it has been burned. Orchard grade mineral oil can be sprayed on the banana every three weeks for a total of 12 applications to control Sigatoka. Commercial growers also use aerial spraying and systemic fungicide application to control the disease. Some banana cultivars also show some resistance to Sigatoka.
- Black leaf streak: M. fifiensis causes Black Sigatoka, or Black Leaf Streak, and is much more virulent than Sigatoka. The cultivars that have some resistance to Sigatoka show none to Black Sigatoka. Fungicides have been used to try and control this disease on commercial banana farms through aerial spraying but this is costly and difficult due to scattered plantations.
- Banana wilt: Another fungus, Fusarium oxysporum, causes Panama disease or Banana Wilt (Fusarium wilt). It begins in the soil and travels to the root system, then enters the corm and passes into the pseudostem. Leaves begin to yellow, starting with the oldest leaves and moving in towards the center of the banana. This disease is lethal. It is transmitted through water, wind, moving soil, and farm equipment. On banana plantations, fields are flooded to control the fungus or by planting a covercrop.
- Moko disease: A bacterium, Pseudomona solanacearum, is the culprit resulting in Moko Disease. This disease is the chief disease of banana and plantain in the western hemisphere. It is transmitted via insects, machetes and other farm tools, plant detritus, soil, and root contact with ailing plants. The only sure defense is to plant resistant cultivars. Controlling infected bananas is time-consuming, expensive, and resistant.
- Black end and Cigar tip rot: Black end stems from another fungus causes anthracnose on the plants and infects the stalk and fruiting end. Young fruit shrivels and mummifies. Stored bananas afflicted with this disease rot. Cigar tip rot starts in the flower, moves to the tips of the fruit, and turns them black and fibrous.
- Bunchy top: Bunchy top is transmitted via aphids. Its introduction almost wiped out the commercial banana industry in Queensland. Eradication and control measures along with a quarantine area have managed to stamp out the disease but growers are eternally vigilant for any signs of bunchy top. Leaves are narrow and short with upturned margins. They become stiff and brittle with short leaf stalks that give the plant a rosette look. Young leaves yellow and become wavy with dark green “dot and dash” lines on the undersides.
These are just some of the pests and diseases that can afflict a banana plant. Vigilant attention to any changes in your banana will keep it healthy and fruitful for years to come.
HOW TO ELIMINATE TREE BORERS
FAQ
Can a tree with borers be saved?
How to treat banana borer?
What do you spray for fruit tree borers?
How do you care for an Abyssinian banana plant?
The Abyssinian banana plant needs consistently moist soil without being waterlogged. Don’t let the soil dry out completely before watering it again. The plant itself also likes moisture, so you can mist the leaves daily or use a humidifier near the plant if you grow it indoors.
When should I repot my Abyssinian banana?
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth. By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway. To replenish this plant’s nutrients, repot your Abyssinian Banana after it doubles in size or once a year —whichever comes first.
Are Abyssinian bananas cold hardy?
The red Abyssinian banana – Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, is arguably the most eye-catching of all the cold-hardy, ornamental bananas – although I accept that Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ does give it a good run for your money. Yes that’s right, I said cold hardy and I stand by that as I have several growing in the garden.
Can Abyssinian banana be grown outside?
Abyssinian Banana can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here . The seeds of Abyssinian Banana can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.