Has anyone growing in the U.S. experienced Panama Disease on their plants?
A yr ago we moved from Baton Rouge to the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain, Last spring, planted out a 'Namwah' which had languished in a pot for over a yr. It did fine at first, but last few wks began to lose its lower leaves one by one. First they yellow, then wilt and die. Otherwise, it seems normal, if a bit pale, at least compared to my gorgeous monster 'Orinoco' mat we moved off and left. (Still sad about that)
We are a few miles below I-10 on a bayou on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. Lime-rich, quite sandy soil. Elevation 6' above sea level---so it's not soggy/boggy.
The spot I put it is pretty sunny. Perhaps too sunny. Up against corner of an elevated house , SW exposure. I'm not used to growing in this much sun, actually. 25 yrs of a mostly shady/filtered shade yard.
I might also have let it get a bit dry once the hot weather set in. Fertilized it with half-strength Osmocote (formulated for orchids) when planted--- but careful not to overdo. Or so I thought.
Will post a pic when I figure out how.
Never had a problem with bananas before....just figured it would be like our old place in Baton Rouge and the main issue would be containing and controlling it.....
Just hope it's not Panama Disease, because that means I won't be able to put another banana in its place if it dies. (Among other bad things for others growing bananas, of course)
Thanks so much
M. Davey
Lacombe, LA