Banana is a large tree-like herb with thick rhizome, pseudostem fleshy, succulent formed by the imbricate leaf sheaths.

Banana (Musa sp.) is the second most important fruit crop in India.

Banana evolved in the humid tropical regions of South East Asia with India as one of its centers of origin.

Leading producers of banana are Brazil, China, Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, Thailand and Colombia.

In India Banana ranks first in production and third in area among fruit crops.

In India major states producing banana are Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Assam.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Liliopsida
• Order: Zingiberales
• Family: Musaceae
• Genus: Musa
• Species: paradisiaca

• Banana fruit is the most economically important part.
• Juice extracted from the stem of banana has medicinal properties.
• Banana leaves are considered as holy leaves in India.

Banana, basically a tropical crop, grows well in a temperature range of 15˚C – 35˚C with relative humidity of 75-85%.

In India this crop is being cultivated in climate ranging from humid tropical to dry mild subtropics through selection of appropriate varieties.

Four months of monsoon (June to September) with an average 650-750 mm. rainfall are most important for vigorous vegetative growth of banana.

Deep, rich loamy soil with pH between 6.5 – 7.5 is most preferred for banana cultivation.

Saline solid, calcareous soils are not suitable for banana cultivation.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Rhizome Weevil, Stem Borer, Thrips, Banana Beetle, Banana Scale Moth.
  • Major Diseases: Panama wilt, Anthracnose, Sigatoka, Leaf Spot and Shoot Rot.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Choke Throat
  • Chilling Injury
  • Kottaivazhai
  • Finger Drop
  • Peel Slitting