Bhagalpur: In response to growing concerns over banana crop health in Bihar, a team of agricultural scientists has been formed under the guidance of D R Singh, Vice Chancellor of Bihar Agricultural University. The team is conducting field surveys and offering training across several districts to tackle banana diseases threatening farmer livelihoods.
As part of this initiative, scientists surveyed Tilghi and Tulsipur villages in Bhagalpur district, where two major diseases—Sigtoka leaf spot and Panama wilt—were found to be affecting crops. Additionally, early signs of rhizome rot were observed in certain fields.
Farmers were trained in disease management techniques with emphasis on summer ploughing, crop rotation, and integrated disease and pest control. For Sigtoka disease, they were advised to immediately remove and destroy infected leaves. A foliar spray containing a combination of tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin—at 1 gram per litre of water with an added sticker—was recommended.
To prevent Panama wilt, experts suggested applying 10 grams of Trichoderma per kilogram of cow dung at planting time, and 5 kilograms around each tree during the second, fourth, and sixth months. For rhizome rot, where foul-smelling decay is visible, early-stage treatment with copper oxychloride (3 grams per litre of water) near the root zone was advised.
The survey also revealed a significant outbreak of rhizome weevil, a pest that exacerbates disease spread. Scientists demonstrated an eco-friendly trapping method using Bacillus bassiana. Farmers were instructed to apply 20 grams of the powder on chopped banana stems (30 cm in length), placing 100 traps per hectare. Under chemical control, 5–10 grams of Cartoff Hydro Chloride 0.4 G per plant should be applied via irrigation.
Experts also underlined the importance of balanced fertilizer use, neem bark application, and timely weed control in minimising disease and pest infestations. According to the scientists, early-stage management is key to effective control.
The training in Bhagalpur was conducted by Dr Shyam Babu Sah (Entomology), Dr Chanda Kushwaha (Plant Pathology), and Dr Shashi Prakash (Horticulture—Fruits), with support from E Pankaj Kumar of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhagalpur. Officials from the District Horticulture Office and Agriculture Department also participated in the program.
