Integrated Management of Panama Wilt Disease in Banana

Abstract

Panama disease is caused by the soil borne hyphomycete, Fusarium oxysporum Schlect. The aim of the study was to identify suitable management practices from the beginning stage of the crop. Fungicide carbendazim was first treatment. Biocontrol agents were used as second treatment regularly at a monthly interval. As per the observation, disease incidence was less in bioagents used plots (100sq.m). It was found that the disease incidence of 12.5 per cent and recorded yield by 42.75 t/ha with a net return of Rs.4, 05, 000 and 19kg/bunch was recorded in fungicide treated plots. In Bioagents used as a integrated approach disease incidence of 60.5 per cent and yield of 35.50 t/ha. and net return of Rs.2, 99, 500, 15 kg/bunch. The conclusion was that, application of bioagents, integrated with cultural and mechanical practices like cutting and burning of diseased leaf to avoid aerial spread, sucker treatment to avoid nematode problem, selection of healthy suckers for planting will manage the disease and also less expensive.