Help identify banana fruit problem
 

Hi everyone,

I was all excited to have my first 2016 banana crop, but yesterday, I noticed the young fruit start turning grayish in color on the skin and I wonder if it is disease or some kind of sun burn. The only thing I have done different recently is scattered a tiny bit of rabbit manure around the base of the banana mat.

I would love some guidance on what this may be and what I need to do to fix it.


Please help. Thank you!

These photos were taken today.

Re: Help identify banana fruit problem
 

What was weather like in the last 2 weeks?

Re: Help identify banana fruit problem
 

It has been high in the mid 80s and low in the mid 50s.

Re: Help identify banana fruit problem
 

Mid 50s is a bit low but I'm not sure that's the problem. What's your soil like? Is it over-saturated with water? Does it drain well? I'm no expert...I'd probably check with the old members, they have more experience. Maybe Richard, Gabe... There's plenty of experts on this forum.
If it's not temperature or too much water, I have no idea.
Sorry.

Re: Help identify banana fruit problem
 

Some of my blue Java and Pisang jaribuaya did that. I am thinking it was a delayed response to a cold night as both had it happen within a couple of weeks of our coldest night. Interested in hearing what others think.

Re: Help identify banana fruit problem
 

Thank you for your feedback. I was wondering about that, because the flower was formed and out while we have the freezing temps a couple months ago. However, the fruit came out without any signs of problems until this week.

Re: Help identify banana fruit problem
 

I've never had good luck with early fruiters. Mine like that long hot summer to plump up.

Re: Help identify banana fruit problem
 

It does look like it could be cold damage to me too, especially if the bud was out during cold temps, that could explain it, but hard to say for sure. If those fruit do not seem to grow normally, you may as well prune them off to redirect energy and resources to the other fruit which can allow them to get a little bigger.

Re: Help identify banana fruit problem
 

Thank you for the feedback. I think I will do exactly as you recommend. Taking those damaged fruit off to see if the good ones survive.

Thank you all!

Re: Help identify banana fruit problem
 

I just removed the damaged fruit from the bunch. Here are some of the photos to share with everyone.

The fruit cut open with different levels of "damage".




The inside of one of the most damaged fruit.




All the fruit I have removed.



What is left on my bunch.