Explore key methods, threats, and best practices in protecting banana plants from pests and diseases. Test your understanding of effective agricultural strategies for healthy banana crops.
Which soil-borne fungal disease, causing leaf yellowing and wilting, is considered one of the most destructive threats to banana plantations worldwide?
Explanation: Panama Disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, severely affects banana plants by attacking their vascular system and causing wilting. Bacterial Wilt is caused by bacteria and affects the whole plant differently. Black Sigatoka is a foliar disease, primarily resulting in leaf streaks, not wilting. Fusarium Yellow Spot is not a recognized major banana disease, and the term confuses symptoms with actual diseases.
What agricultural practice can help reduce root damage from nematodes in banana cultivation?
Explanation: Rotating banana crops with non-host plants disrupts nematode life cycles and helps prevent their buildup in the soil. Flood irrigation is not a reliable nematode control method for bananas. Continuous banana monoculture encourages nematode persistence. Adding excess nitrogen does not directly affect nematode populations and may harm plant health.
Banana aphids are known vectors of which viral disease that threatens banana production?
Explanation: The Banana Bunchy Top Virus is primarily spread by banana aphids and leads to severe stunting and distinctive leaf symptoms. Banana Wilt Mosaic is not a recognized disease. Cucumber Mosaic Virus affects many plants but is not mainly transmitted by banana aphids in bananas. Banana Streak Virus transmission involves mealybugs and other means, not primarily aphids.
How can banana growers physically protect fruits from insect pests and sun damage during development?
Explanation: Bagging fruit clusters creates a physical barrier that shields bananas from insect pests and reduces sunburn. Neem oil is a botanical pesticide, not a physical barrier. Sprinkler irrigation manages water but does not protect fruit directly. Soil mulching improves soil conditions but does not shield the developing fruit.
When is the most effective time to apply foliar fungicides to manage Black Sigatoka disease in banana fields?
Explanation: Applying fungicides preventively, before symptoms appear, helps suppress Black Sigatoka spores and limits disease spread. Using them only at flowering or after severe leaf loss is too late for effective control. During fruit harvest is not appropriate due to food safety concerns and limited disease benefit.