MANAGEMENT OF BANANA (MUSA PARADISIACA LINNAEUS) ORCHARD AGAINST INSECT PESTS

Abstract

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the world’s most important crops grow in a range of environments and produces fruit all year round. As well as being an easily produced source of energy, banana is also rich in a number of important vitamins and minerals. The crop is also environment-friendly, combating soil erosion on hilly slopes and readily lends itself to intercropping and mixed farming. Insect pests pressure has been increasing considerably on banana plantation in recent years, leading to deteriorate its gardens in Pakistan. At present, no single management strategy appears likely to provide complete control of banana insect pests. Therefore, a broad integrated pest management strategy might provide the best chance for success in controlling banana pests. This article reports the important insect pests of banana, their mode of damage and control strategy for sustainable crop protection.