Leaves become yellow and progress upwards. The petiole breaks and leaves hang. When it is cut open discolouration in vascular region with pale yellow to dark brown colour. The discolouration is in the central portion of the corm. Internal rot of fruits with dark brown discoloration. When the pseudostem is cut transversely bacterial ooze can be seen.
Pathogen
It is rod shaped, gram negative bacterium with one polar flagellum.
Mode of spread and survival
The pathogen is soil borne, it survives in susceptible hosts like banana and Heliconia spp.
Management
Eradicate infected plant. Expose soil to direct sunlight. Use of clean planting material. Fallowing and crop rotation is advisable.Disinfection of pruning of tools. Providing good drainage.