Metarhizium anisopliae for Banana – Control Root Weevils, Pseudostem Weevil & Nematodes

Banana is an important crop in Kannur, but weevils cause serious economic losses. The banana root weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) larvae feed on the corm (underground stem) and roots. The plant becomes weak, takes longer to fruit, and may topple over. The pseudostem weevil (Odoiporus longicollis) larvae bore into the pseudostem, creating tunnels that weaken the plant, cause wilting, and can lead to collapse, especially during windy conditions.

Metarhizium anisopliae is an effective organic solution. Research studies have demonstrated that Metarhizium anisopliae isolates (from various hosts) can cause significant mortality in banana weevils. The fungus infects weevil larvae and adults, killing them within 3‑7 days. Additionally, Metarhizium has been shown to suppress root‑knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) – a common pest in banana plantations – by producing enzymes that damage nematode eggs and reduce egg hatching.

How Metarhizium works against banana weevils and nematodes:

  • Against weevils: The fungal spores attach to the weevil's cuticle, germinate, and penetrate. The fungus grows inside the weevil, consuming its tissues and producing toxins. The weevil dies. Green sporulation appears on the cadaver, releasing more spores.

  • Against nematodes: Metarhizium produces chitinases and other enzymes that degrade the eggshell and cuticle of nematodes, reducing their population in the soil.

How to apply Metarhizium anisopliae on banana (Bactostore method):

Pre‑planting soil treatment (for root weevils and nematodes):

  • Take 200‑250g of Bactostore's Metarhizium powder per planting pit

  • Mix with 10‑15 kg of well‑decomposed FYM or cow dung

  • Place in the planting pit and mix with soil before planting the sucker

  • This creates a protective zone around the corm

Sucker treatment (before planting):

  • Mix 10 ml of Metarhizium liquid (or 10g powder) in 1 litre of water

  • Dip the banana sucker or tissue culture plantlet for 10‑15 minutes before planting

  • Shade dry for 30 minutes before planting

Soil drench for existing plants (for weevils and nematodes):

  • Mix 1‑2 litres of Metarhizium liquid in 200 litres of water

  • Drench the solution around the base of each banana plant (1‑2 litres per plant)

  • Apply at planting, at 2nd month, and at 4th month

For pseudostem weevil (injection method):

  • Mix 5‑10g of Metarhizium powder in 1 litre of water

  • Using a syringe (without needle), inject 20‑30 ml into each visible borehole on the pseudostem

  • Also spray the entire pseudostem with the same solution

  • Repeat after 15 days if weevil activity persists

Important tips for Kannur banana farmers:

  • Apply Metarhizium when the soil is moist – the fungus needs moisture to germinate

  • Do not mix with chemical fungicides

  • Remove and destroy heavily infested plants to prevent weevil spread

  • Use pheromone traps for weevils as part of an integrated approach

Buy from Bactostore. We deliver fresh Metarhizium anisopliae – liquid or powder – to all Kannur banana farms.

📞 Call 9146150117 | 🌐 www.peaklab.co.in

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