Article
Article
- Botany
- Plant pathology
- Banana
Banana
Article By:
Schroeder, Charles A. Department of Botanical Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
Dimitman, J. E. Agronomicas de Guatemala, Ciudad, Guatemala.
Last reviewed:December 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.071600
- Kinds and distribution
- Diseases
- Etiological agents
- Pathogenic forms and host reactions
- Control methods
- Related Primary Literature
- Additional Reading
A large tropical plant of the genus Musa and its edible fruit. The banana belongs to the family Musaceae (order Zingiberales). The banana of commerce (Musa acuminata), which is believed to have originated in the Asian tropics, was one of the earliest cultivated fruits. The fruit occurs in hanging clusters (Fig. 1), is usually yellow when ripe, and is approximately 15–20 cm (6–8 in.) in length. For commercial production, the plant requires a tropical climate within the temperature range of 10–40°C (50–104°F) and a constant supply of moisture by rainfall or irrigation. Bananas are subject to injury by strong winds, which tear the leaves or blow down the plants. See also: Fruit; Fruit, tree; Horticultural crops; Irrigation (agriculture); Zingiberales
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