Banana leaf speckle (Mycosphaerella musae)

Banana leaf speckle is a common general name given to several species of fungi that are capable of reflecting diffused circular or irregular blotches on banana leaves that come in many colors such as grey, brown, and black. This fungal disease can be a problem from October to May. Infection occurs during wet periods and when there is water on the leaves for long periods.

The diseases cause the early decease of the surface of infected banana leaves resulting in the reduction of total leaf area for photosynthesis process.

Symptoms of leaf speckle first appear as pale-brownish spots, like pencil marks, 0.5 x 1.5 mm. These spots are easily distinguished by transmitted light and can be seen 3-4 weeks after the youngest leaf unfurls. The spots elongate to streaks which increase in size, becoming lesions about 15 x 30 mm.

If the disease becomes severe, the leaves will die and drop off and small bunches with early and uneven ripening can result.

In general, speckle diseases are only of minor importance, and are unlikely to reduce yield. The exception is Mycosphaerella musae, which can be serious in commercial plantings if not controlled, resulting in loss of leaves, and poor fruit yield.
Banana leaf speckle (Mycosphaerella musae)

Banana leaf spot

The name of banana leaf spot is from that of the valley on Fiji where the disease first attracted serious attention. It is widespread but has not been reported from the producing areas of the Canary Islands, Egypt and Israel.

There are three main fungal that cause banana leaf spot: Mycosphaerella musicola, M. fijiensis and M. eumusae.

M.musicola was the first foliar to be identified as a major problem. Its spread from the Southeast Asian/Pacific region, where it was established by 1920s, to North and South America in the 1930s, resulted in widespread disruption to the export trade.

M. musicola produces spermatia in spermogonia, ascospores in perithecia, and conidia of the Cercospora type in sporodochia. Sporodochia appear while the spots are still light yellow, but successive crops of abundant conidia are produced by the same sporodochia only during the browns spot stage of the disease.

Symptoms are first seen as a yellowish green speck (1 mm long) on the leaves; this becomes a streak (3-4 x1 mm) which broadens and lengthens. The streak turns brown or rusty and has an ill-defined margin.
Banana leaf spot

Banana leaf

The banana leaf – dark green and about 3 feet - grows like a long and wide palm leaf and is commonly used to cover or warp foods in Asia. The leaf is a multipurpose item which can be used as a rain shield or to cover basket or basins of cooked.

It is valued in many parts of the world for its beauty and fragrances and it has many additional uses.

It has a light grassy and was like aroma that transfers to any food cooked in it and is used as the natural ‘aluminum foil’ of the East.

In Asian, banana leaf is a sensual steaming wrapper for rice, fish or meat smeared with some lemongrass, garlic and other herbs. It is frequently used to wrap foods for grilling, steaming or grilling directly over hot coals.

Eating food served on a banana leaf is more hygienic than eating food off plastic, steel or ceramic plates. Also, when meal is finished, the leaf can be disposed of in an environmental friendly way.

The banana leaves used for serving are cut form the whole leaves, with the first neater-length cuts from the broader end.

In India, the Parsi community, they still used banana leaves only for serving to Parsi guests at their weddings. The food served on the cut leaf is eaten with fingers.

Almost any type of meat, such as duck, chicken, beef and even fish or eel, can be chopped, seasoned and wrapped in banana leaves to be cooked.
Banana leaf