Did you know that banana aphids can be winged or wingless? The wingless aphids have a shiny brown dorsal part, while the winged aphids have a very prominent dark wing venation. These pests are typically found between the leaf sheaths and at the base of the trunk. Although they don’t directly cause significant damage to the banana plant, they are responsible for transmitting the deadly banana bunchy top virus which makes the plant completely nonproductive, affecting the yield and quality of fruits.
To control banana aphids, it’s important to use disease-free planting materials, preferably tissue-cultured plantlets, and practice good sanitation in the plantation. Additionally, stem and mat spraying with recommended botanical biocides like neem extracts and tubli can help manage aphid populations.
Want to learn more about fighting various banana pests, including thrips, scarring weevil, corm weevil, mealybugs, nematodes, and weeds? Check out the new eLearning course on “Banana Integrated Pest Management”
Gain essential knowledge and skills needed to protect your banana crops and increase your yield. This course is brought to you by the Agricultural Training Institute in Caraga Region.