A banana fungus among us?
 

What's happening to my bananas? The same thing happened last year, only now they appear to have stopped growing--they're the same size they were two months ago. I sliced one open and that blackness seems to go through the skin to the white part inside. Is this curable?

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

I hope someone helps you. Mine are turning black and shriveling up and nobody seems to know what is going on or just ain't telling. See here: http://www.bananas.org/f310/new-issu...ing-46868.html

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

what kind of banana

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

Try spraying your plant and bananas with copper sulfate mixture. I use this in my garden and 3 months ago sprayed my inside banana plants when I saw some white fungus on the stalks. ...

copper sulfate/water => 4 teaspoons copper sulfate to 1 gallon of water.

You can also make a 1% Burgundy Mixture as follows:

For 1 gal mix:
38 g copper sulfate => 1.34 oz => 2 tbl
47 g washing soda => 1.66 oz => 3 tbl
1 gal water
Note: De-solve the copper sulfate in 1 pint of water and the washing soda in 1 pint of water. Strain each into 1 one gal container. Then finish filling (3 qt) water.

or a Bordeaux Mixture. see link for directions. Bordeaux Mixture--UC IPM

This wont cure the fungus but will stop it from spreading. These have greatly reduced leaf spot and bloom-end rot in my garden. And is used by the large banana plantations in their fields. A 3lb bag of copper sulfate is about $5 to $8; and a box of Mule Team washing soda is about $3.50. This is much less expensive than buying off-the -self fungicides.

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

Or just purchase Monterey Liqui-Cop -- it's a better copper fungicide product.

But before you do, check with Nicolas Naranja. He's a professional banana grower and plant pathologist in your area.

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

Arthur,


Please follow the thread "http://www.bananas.org/f2/goldfinger...ing-46796.html" on the Main Banana Discussion Section!......

Hopefully it helps!.....

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

I've never seen that product.. How does it compare to southern ag?

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

Southern Ag Liquid Copper Fungicide is the same. It is Copper diammonia diacetate complex at 27.15%. A pint will mix 20 to 24 gal. of spray. A pound of copper sulphate will mix about 24 gallons at 1/2%.

As I said above, I can mix copper sulphate much less expensive than buying brand labeled mixture of the same chemicals. Copper suphate is readily available while other copper compounds/chemicals are not.

Do a web search for more info on using copper sulphate on bananas. You will find that the Bordeaux and Burgundy mixtures have been used since the 1920s on bananas.

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

Any suggestions on where I can have my bananas tested for which, if any, virus it may be? I'm in southwest Florida.

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

Arthur,


Experienced forum member Gabe mentioned in other thread. The place is FEPDC (Florida Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic | Tropical Research and Education Center, UF, IFAS)......

link Florida Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic | Tropical Research and Education Center, UF, IFAS

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

Thanks. Before I destroy the plant, I want to have it tested to see what the problem actually is. I'll contact them.

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

Be sure to let us know.

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

I will.

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

Keep a journal! If you have done everything the same and have success, then the problem usually lies somewhere else. Track what you do on a calendar. Weather patterns or feeding changed? Watering too much in rainy season? Not enough? This will help next time if it happens, and hopefully not.

Fungus? Do what was suggested. Anything out of the ordinary get sprayed on the plant? Companion plantings? :03:

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

Can you slice a piece of fruit across and lengthwise to show the "infection inside" and a closer photo of a couple of bananas? You could have a cigar rot. If the end of the banana starts rotting, and it progresses, that could be it. Some fungi are in the soil as well. When you take it down, pay attention to the inside of the stem and what it looks like. Dispose of the plant if that is the case.

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

The spots on your bananas are similar in appearance to the spots on my Goldfinger bunch.

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

I've attached two photos--one of a banana closeup and another of it sliced open. Any ideas?

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

That is a fungus or anthracnose. You need to talk to IFAS soon and send some photos. I believe Mr. Don Murray works there, he may be a bee guy, but anyone can help you. There are some nasty banana fungi around. You may have to treat the soil or move the bananas away from that area. But, I don't know so this is all just conjecture and my opinion. IFAS will know.

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

Thanks. I'm in touch with IFAS.

Re: A banana fungus among us?
 

Poor bananas. Let us know what you find out!