Banana is an important source of food and income to farmers however it is greatly affected by the banana xanthomonas wilt disease (BXW) that reduces yields and cause losses.
Approach to control BXW depends on the level of infection that is to say if the infection is less than 20% cut out infected plants and if infection is more than 20% completely uproot and destroy all field plants.
Prevention approaches
Enforcing strong public campaigns like radio talk shows to discuss with farmers on control measures. Training farmers by demonstrating on spread and control measures as the disease spreads very fast. Follow good agricultural practices as recommended from extension agents. By establishing and training farmers in farmer field schools on BXW control practices.
BXW control
Cut and remove infected plants and if the infection is intense completely uproot infected plants. Burry infected plants. Regularly cut new shoot as roots and shoot may continue to have the disease.
Do not plant banana for 6 months until the shoots completely root. Practice crop rotation with maize, sweet potatoes and beans to break the disease life cycle.
