Key Points for the Prevention and Control of Banana Diseases and Pests

To effectively prevent and control banana Fusarium wilt, bunchy top virus, black Sigatoka, leaf spot diseases, and major pests, and to ensure the healthy and sustainable development of the banana industry, these key points for pest and disease control have been formulated. Emphasis is placed on green prevention, integrated management, production safety, and quality improvement.

I. Seedling Selection

Strictly implement the requirement to introduce virus-free seedlings from qualified nursery institutions, preferably using potted seedlings cultivated with sterilized soilless substrates. It is strictly prohibited to transport seedlings from infected areas to avoid pathogen spread. For different diseases, the following resistant varieties are recommended:

Fusarium wilt-resistant varieties: Nantiangwang, Baodaojiao, Zhongjiao No. 8;
Bunchy top virus-resistant varieties: Williams (B6), Brazilian banana;
Black Sigatoka-resistant varieties: Red banana, Zhongba Da;
Leaf spot-resistant varieties: Williams, Guangfen No. 1.

II. Disease and Pest Monitoring

After planting, a standardized pest and disease monitoring system must be established. Regular surveys should be conducted on species, severity, and distribution of diseases and pests in banana plantations. Dynamically monitor disease index (DI value) and pest density (PM value), issue early warnings, and formulate targeted control measures. Special attention should be paid to early symptoms of Fusarium wilt, expansion of leaf spots, and peak activity periods of thrips and aphids.

III. Agricultural Control

(1) Regulating Soil pH

Apply lime, organic fertilizers, and plant ash to adjust the soil pH to 6.0–7.5, optimize root environments, and inhibit Fusarium wilt pathogen proliferation.

(2) Scientific Fertilizer and Water Management

Apply balanced fertilizers with increased phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients to avoid excessive nitrogen application;
Properly combine organic fertilizers and microbial fertilizers to improve soil aggregate structure and promote beneficial microbial populations;
Prioritize integrated water and fertilizer management to avoid soil waterlogging caused by traditional flood irrigation.

(3) Rational Intercropping and Crop Rotation

Intercrop bananas with Chinese chives, legumes, and other crops to build a biodiversity barrier;
In severely infected areas, rotate with rice, sugarcane, corn, and other crops to break pathogen life cycles and weaken disease bases.

(4) Field Sanitation Management

Regularly remove diseased leaves, dead leaves, and residual plants for centralized deep burial;
Prevent infected residues from becoming secondary infection sources.

IV. Physical and Chemical Control

(1) Physical Control Techniques

Set up yellow and blue sticky traps to attract and trap aphids and thrips;
Use sex pheromone traps to control borers and reduce pest populations;
Cover seedlings with insect-proof nets to prevent thrips, aphids, and other vector-borne diseases;
Apply solar-powered insecticidal lamps to lure and kill noctuid moths;
Cover the soil with plastic mulch before planting for high-temperature sterilization to kill soil-borne pathogens.

V. Biological Control

Apply biological control agents such as Bacillus subtilis to protect banana root zones against Fusarium wilt;
Release natural enemies such as predatory mites and parasitic wasps to biologically control aphids and thrips, establishing a stable biological control system.

VI. Green Pesticide Alternatives

For leaf spot control, use Melaleuca alternifolia extract or Ningnanmycin-triazole compound;
For black Sigatoka control, use chitosan oligosaccharide-flusilazole compound;
For red spider mite control, use mineral oil-based green control products.

VII. Chemical Pesticide Control

Adhere to the principles of high efficiency, low toxicity, and low residue. Scientifically rotate pesticide varieties and implement unified pest control measures to ensure pesticide application meets safety interval standards:

Leaf spot diseases: Difenoconazole, Azoxystrobin;
Black Sigatoka: Tebuconazole, Pyraclostrobin;
Aphids: Imidacloprid;
Crown rot: Iprodione, Thiophanate-methyl;
Thrips: Lambda-cyhalothrin, Spirotetramat-thiamethoxam.

When applying pesticides, special attention should be paid to target organisms, application timing, dosage concentration, and field microclimate conditions to prevent resistance development and secondary pollution.