My Dwarf Banana Tree Has Brown Bumps

Identification

• Fusarium wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense. This fungus lives for years in the soil and infects trees that are weak or under stress. First identified in Taiwan in 1967, this disease primarily infects mature trees and causes brown lesions to develop and the entire trunk to turn brown. The disease is spread by fungal spores that are carried on the wind or through water to infect other trees nearby.

Signs and Symptoms

• Dwarf banana trees infected with Fusarium wilt develop brown scorched leaves and brown or black slimy lesions. Older leaves are affected first. Infected leaves turn yellow and drop prematurely until only the youngest leaves remain on the tree. Dwarf banana trees with Fusarium wilt may have a foul odor. The entire plant eventually dies.

Cultural Control

• The Fusarium fungus enters banana trees through wounds or injuries. Avoid wounding your tree during mowing or pruning to prevent infection. Plant banana trees in soil that does not have a history of this fungus, as it lives in the soil for long periods of time. Plantains are resistant and are recommended for home gardeners whose soil has a history of Fusarium fungi.

Chemical Control

• While fungicides often help prevent and/or control disease, they are not recommended for use against Fusarium wilt. According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, no chemical control product prevents or treats Fusarium wilt in any variety of banana trees. Applying insecticides to your trees may help reduce insect infestations, which can cause entry wounds that give the fungus easy access to the tree.