New To Banana Tree Growing, Is This Normal?

Question

I’ve had these banana trees for approx 10 years now but never received any fruit or did any maintenance on them because my house has been an AirBnB until this point. I’ve noticed 3 bunches growing, 2 of the 3 have little brown/ black spots on the bananas even tho they look no where near being ripe. Was wondering if this is normal? Or if I have a diseased plant? And when I should be cutting off the flower and/ or bagging the fruit. Thanks for your help.

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Answer 1

This could be caused by a few different factors. One possibility is a fungal infection, such as Anthracnose (Colletotrichum musae) or Black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis), which are common in bananas and can lead to black or brown spots. Another cause could be pest damage from insects like thrips or mites, which feed on the surface and leave similar markings. Environmental stress, like temperature fluctuations, can also contribute to these spots, or they could simply be part of the natural ripening process. It's a good idea to monitor the spread and consider using a fungicide or pest control if needed, ensuring the plant has proper airflow and well-draining soil to prevent excess moisture, which can encourage fungal growth. This article may offer more information:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/banana/black-spots-on-banana-fruit.htm