Farmers Review Africa Sept/Oct 2018 FRA - September - October 2018 digital 5 | Page 48

FEATURE
Banana wilt; modes of transmission,
prevention and control measures
Xanthomonas wilt of banana, better known as BXW is a bacterial disease that affects banana plants.
The disease was first reported in Ethiopia before 2001, where it reportedly affected bananas. However, it
has since spread to the Great Lakes region of East Africa. Although no proper means of resistance have
been identified, the disease can be controlled through cultural practices.
By Nita Karume
Modes of transmission
Insects, farm tools and infected
planting material are the main
agents of transmission. However,
the transmission is highly dependent
on the management practices being
applied. Leaf wetness has also been
implicated in disease establishment.
46 |September - October 2018
On the other hand, goats and other
livestock can carry the bacteria in their
mouth. This facilitates the spread of
the disease to healthy plants. Pests
can also help the bacteria in the soil
gain entry into the plant through the
root system. The disease causes death
of the plant and rotting of the fruit.
The leaves gradually turn yellow and
start looking lifeless as if they were
melting under intense heat. According
to research, flowering plants depict the
first symptoms of insect transmission
through a drying rot and blackening
of the male bud. The fruits ripen
unevenly and prematurely, turning
from green to yellow and black rapidly.
The pulp of the rotting fruits shows
rusty brown stains.