Horticulture

Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease Management: Symptoms, Treatment, Chemical, Biological, and Organic Control

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The Banana Bacterial Wilt, also known as Moko Disease, caused by the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas solanacearum, is a devastating disease that affects banana crops worldwide. The disease is highly contagious, spreading easily through the soil, water, infected plant debris, and contaminated tools and equipment. The economic impact of Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease is significant, as it reduces fruit yield, quality, and marketability and can result in the complete loss of yield.

Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease Management

The management of Banana Bacterial Wilt is challenging due to the persistence of the bacterium in the soil and its ability to survive for long periods in plant debris. Effective management strategies are necessary to control the spread of Banana Bacterial Wilt and minimize its impact on the farmers.

To effectively manage this disease, it is important to understand its disease cycle, the mode of disease spread, and the best methods for controlling it. This article will provide an overview and discussion of the Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease in Banana crops, including its symptoms, identification techniques, and control.

Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease Management

The Causal Organism of Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease

  • Pseudomonas solanacearum is a facultative parasite that belongs to the Family Pseudomonadaceae of Order Pseudomonadales of the Phylum Pseudomonadota.
  • It is a rod-shaped, gram-negative bacterium, motile by a single polar flagellum, capable of surviving in soil, water, and plant debris.
  • This soil-borne pathogen enters the plant through natural openings such as wounds or roots.

The Disease Cycle of Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease

The disease cycle of the Banana Bacterial Wilt, or Moko Disease, Pseudomonas solanacearum, in Banana Crops, starts with the initial infection of the pathogen. Pseudomonas solanacearum enters the plant through natural openings, such as wounds, cuts, or roots. Once inside the plant, the pathogen multiplies and spreads rapidly, causing extensive damage to the host.

The bacteria colonize the plant’s vascular tissue, including the xylem and phloem. The pathogen blocks the flow of water and nutrients within the plant, causing wilting, yellowing of leaves, and plant death. As the pathogen multiplies, it produces a slimy substance that can be seen on the cut surfaces of the infected plant. The pathogen can also be transmitted through various vectors, including infected plant material, contaminated soil, and farming equipment. Once the pathogen has entered the soil, it can survive for long periods, making it difficult to control the spread of the disease.

Once the pathogen has established itself in a plant, it can produce secondary infections that spread to nearby plants. The bacteria can spread from plant to plant through contaminated soil, water, or farming equipment, making it difficult to contain the disease. The ability of the banana plant to resist the disease is important in managing Moko disease. However, different strains of Pseudomonas solanacearum are known to attack different banana cultivars, and the pathogen has been shown to overcome plant resistance over time.

Occurrence of Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease in Banana Crop

  • Location of Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko disease: This disease occurs in Banana crops in India, Africa, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Australia.
  • Host range: The most common crops affected by Pseudomonas solanacearum are Banana, Heliconia, Potato, Tomato, Eggplant, Pepper, and Ginger.

Favorable Conditions for Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease Spread in the Field

  • Moko disease thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity. The pathogen can survive and spread in temperatures between 25-30ยฐC and waterlogged soils, which creates an ideal environment for its growth and reproduction.
  • Moko disease can infect banana crops in various soil types, but it is more common in sandy soils.
  • Young banana plants are more susceptible to Moko disease than mature plants.
  • Poor farming practices, such as using contaminated farm tools or allowing the infected plant material to remain in the field, can contribute to the spreading of the disease.
  • Plants are more susceptible when they have wounds, which provide entry points for the bacterium.
  • Excess moisture in the soil can create a wet environment that promotes bacterial growth and spread, especially in over-irrigated and poorly drained soils.

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Moko Disease in Banana

Damage Symptoms of Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease

  • The disease is characterized by broken petioles, hanging leaves, and the presence of bacterial ooze when the pseudostem is cut transversely.
  • The discoloration of vascular bundles to pale yellow or dark brown is seen when the leaves are cut transversely.
  • The discoloration of the corm in the center and the internal rotting of fruits can be seen.
  • Once infected, the banana plant typically shows symptoms such as wilting, yellowing of the leaves, and premature fruit ripening.

Percentage of Yield Loss Due to Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease in Banana Crop

  • The disease can cause 50% yield losses in the United States. In Mexico, yield losses are 80%. In India, the yield losses are 70%. In Bangladesh, the losses are 50%. In Sri Lanka, the losses are 80%. In China, an 80% yield loss is seen. In Africa, yield losses are up to 90%.
  • In Indonesia, it is 60%. In Vietnam, it is 70%. In Ecuador, it is 60%. In Peru, it is 50%. In the Philippines, it is 70%. In Malaysia, it is 70%. In Colombia, it is 70%. In Thailand, it is 90%. In Brazil, it is 60%. In Australia, the losses are 40%. The Economic Threshold Level is determined at 5-10% crop infestation.

Cultural Control Measures of Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease

  • Rotation of banana crops with non-host crops such as maize, beans, or vegetables can help to reduce the buildup of Pseudomonas solanacearum.
  • Good soil management practices such as proper drainage, soil aeration, and addition of organic matter can improve soil health and reduce the risk of disease development.
  • Perform soil solarization by exposing the soil to direct sunlight to kill the soil-borne bacteria.
  • Proper sanitation measures, such as disinfection of tools, equipment, and footwear before entering the plantation, can help prevent the introduction and spread of the pathogen.
  • Pruning infected plant parts and removing old and infected leaves can help reduce the source of inoculum and minimize disease spread.
  • Planting at high densities can create favorable conditions for the disease’s development and spread. Proper plant spacing can improve plant health and reduce the risk of disease development.

Biological Control Measures of Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease

  • Endophytic bacteria such as Enterobacter cloacae and Burkholderia cepacia have been reported to reduce the incidence and severity of Banana Bacterial Wilt.
  • Trichoderma harzianum are beneficial fungi that colonize the roots and soil, produce antibiotics that inhibit its growth, and induce plant defenses against it.
  • Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens are beneficial bacteria that colonize the banana plant’s roots and produce antibiotics that suppress the growth and activity of the pathogen.
  • Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria produce antimicrobial compounds and improve plant growth and resistance against the disease.

Chemical Control Measures of Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease

  • Spray Streptomycin and Oxytetracycline to control the bacterial spread.
  • Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) inducers such as acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) can induce resistance in plants against Pseudomonas solanacearum.
  • Treat the pruning and cutting wounds with Formaldehyde to control the disease.

Organic Control Measures of Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease

  • Copper-based chemicals, such as copper sulfate, copper oxychloride, and copper hydroxide, can be preventive or curative measures after disease onset.
  • Chitosan produces antibacterial compounds that can control the pathogen by disrupting its cell membrane and inhibiting growth.
  • Plant extracts from neem, ginger, garlic, and turmeric leaves, such as powders, oils, and cakes, are used as a preventive measure to control the disease.
  • Essential oils like tea tree, thyme, oregano, clove, and cinnamon can also control the disease.

Preventive Measures for Control of Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease

  • Eradication of infected plants promptly by uprooting and burning them to prevent the bacteria from spreading to healthy plants.
  • Use disease-free, healthy, and certified planting material only.
  • Prune the bacterium containing male flowers soon after the last female emerges to prevent the infection.
  • Regularly monitoring the crops for signs of disease will help to find and manage the disease early before it spreads.
  • Proper irrigation management and proper drainage facilities can help reduce the risk of this pathogen in banana crops.

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Banana Bacterial Wilt

Conclusion

The Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease caused by Pseudomonas solanacearum is a significant threat to banana production worldwide. It can lead to substantial yield losses and impact the economic well-being of banana farmers. Managing Banana Bacterial Wilt or Moko Disease requires a comprehensive approach integrating preventive measures and various control methods.

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Author: Reddy

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