Troubleshooting
Plantain problems — and how to fix them
Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Panama disease (Fusarium wilt)
Yellowing and wilting of leaves with internal brown vascular discolouration. There is no chemical cure; remove infected plants and avoid replanting Musa in the same soil.
Black Sigatoka (leaf spot)
Dark streaks and spots on leaves caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Apply copper-based fungicide and improve air circulation.
Banana weevil
Larvae bore into the corm. Inspect newly acquired planting material and treat infected corms with an approved insecticide.
Wind damage
Large leaves shred in strong winds. Plant in a sheltered position or use a windbreak. Shredded leaves still function; cosmetic damage only.
Nutrient deficiency (iron/magnesium)
Interveinal yellowing on young leaves indicates iron deficiency; on old leaves, magnesium. Correct pH and apply chelated trace element feed.
Prevent plantain problems before they start
Most plantain issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Plantain problems — FAQ
Why is my plantain panama disease (fusarium wilt)?
Yellowing and wilting of leaves with internal brown vascular discolouration. There is no chemical cure; remove infected plants and avoid replanting Musa in the same soil.
Why is my plantain black sigatoka (leaf spot)?
Dark streaks and spots on leaves caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Apply copper-based fungicide and improve air circulation.
Why is my plantain banana weevil?
Larvae bore into the corm. Inspect newly acquired planting material and treat infected corms with an approved insecticide.
Why is my plantain wind damage?
Large leaves shred in strong winds. Plant in a sheltered position or use a windbreak. Shredded leaves still function; cosmetic damage only.
Why is my plantain nutrient deficiency (iron/magnesium)?
Interveinal yellowing on young leaves indicates iron deficiency; on old leaves, magnesium. Correct pH and apply chelated trace element feed.