Cyclone Information

PREPARING BANANA CROPS FOR TROPICAL CYCLONES: KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Bananas are highly susceptible to wind damage, and even low-category cyclones or severe thunderstorms can cause significant losses. Here are the essential steps to protect your crops and minimize damage: 

1. Assess Crop Development 

Evaluate the stage of your banana blocks. More uniform blocks, like plant crops or early ratoons, are easier to manage. Focus on blocks with heavy bunches, plants close to bunching (4-6 weeks), or those 2-3 months from bunching, as these are more vulnerable to wind damage. 

2. Consider Canopy Removal 

Removing the canopy of unbunched plants before a cyclone reduces wind resistance and minimizes the risk of plants rolling out. However, this comes at a cost: canopy removal can reduce bunch weight by 35-50% and lower the proportion of large fruit (220-260mm) by up to 35%. For low-category cyclones, it’s often best to delay canopy removal until the last practical moment. 

3. Proper Canopy Removal Technique 

When removing the canopy, avoid cutting too low on the stem. Full deleafing (leaving the stem intact) is recommended, as it strengthens the plant and better supports future bunches. Cutting below the ‘throat’ weakens the plant, increasing the risk of damage. By assessing crop development, carefully considering whether to remove the canopy, and using the proper technique, banana growers can reduce cyclone damage and protect their crops for future harvests.