AsaaseYaaBanana rust thrips
Thrips that feed on young plantain fingers and leave rusty brown scars on the skin.
When it comes
What to look for
Keep checking leaves for the yellow-streak disease. Also watch the developing fingers — rust-coloured scarring on the skin = thrips. The plantains are still good to eat but harder to sell at top price.
Once a week, check each finger on the bunches. To stop thrips and cosmetic damage, you can cover the whole bunch with a plastic bag while it grows.
Also watch for
General advice from crop guides for Ghana. Before you spray, ask your agro-input dealer for a product registered for this pest, read the label, and wear gloves. For a serious attack, call your district agriculture office or an agronomist.
Catch it early
AsaaseYaa reminds you when to check your crop for pests, and shows you what to look for. Free.