Nematode is one more pest of banana. These are minute worms seen in most of the soils. Nematodes spread with old roots of suckers to the new gardens.
The bloch and node on the roots are symptoms of the presence of nematode. It scrapes the roots and the wound helps fungi enter the root thus the root decays and dries up. This in turn affects nutrient uptake of the plant. The nematode affected plant shows stunted growth and hence the small finger and varnish. Nematode problem also intensifies into tune crops. It‘s important to select nematode free suckers for planting.
Measures
After selecting sucker for planting, the rhizome is dipped in warm water at 55°C for 20-25 minutes before planting.
Proceed to remove all old roots on the rhizome. Use 1/2 kg of neem cake per plant with the recommended dose of phorate. All these measures together will control the nematode.
