The banana, with its distinctive shape, sweet flesh, and bright yellow skin, are nutritious, portable, and can be enjoyed raw or cooked. This versatile fruit is planted, grown, and produced around the globe.
Key banana growing regions
Bananas grow best in tropical climates, thriving in regions where the average temperature is 80 °F (27 °C), and the yearly rainfall is between 78 and 98 inches. Banana plants need rich, fertile soil with regular moisture, good drainage, and plenty of organic material.
Global banana production
Approximately 150 countries and territories across the tropics and subtropics produce bananas.1 According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, banana production is a $38 billion (USD) industry.2 Most people think that the majority of bananas are grown in South America, but surprisingly, the top banana producing countries are:3
- India: 36.6 million
- China: 11.7 million
- Indonesia: 9.3 million
- Nigeria: 7.3 million
- Ecuador: 7.2 million
Specifically, India’s banana export market is expected to grow due to successful trials of sea routes to Europe4 and initiatives to grow bananas for other industries including fabrics, leather, and plywood.5
More than 400 million people depend on the banana industry as a source of income, employment, and food security.1
Boron’s role in banana growth and development
With so much at stake, growers need to do all they can to produce abundant, high-quality crops. While you can’t control the weather or devastating diseases such as Tropical Race 4, you can ensure that your soil has a balance of proper nutrients.
Bananas’ rapid growth rate makes them heavy feeders. Mature plants can require as much as 1.5 - 2 lbs of fertilizer each month depending on soil and weather conditions. Along with macronutrients, such as potassium and nitrogen, reaching proper levels of the micronutrient boron can ensure larger, better-quality bunches.
Bananas need boron for:
- Skin strength
- Fruit firmness and storage life
- Root development
Too little boron in soil increases the likelihood of fungal diseases and reduces plants’ tolerance to draught and other environmental stresses.
Boron deficiency in bananas
Low boron levels can occur in a wide range of soil types, but the amount typically diminishes as pH increases. Boron deficiency in bananas occurs most often in regions with humid climates. Banana plants remove large amounts of boron from the soil each year, so you should test your soil regularly to determine the correct pH level and adjust as needed.
Boron deficiency symptoms in bananas start on the outside edges of the youngest leaves. In the early stages, leaves become chlorotic—a condition in which they produce insufficient chlorophyll. Chlorotic leaves can be pale, yellow, or yellow-white and later turn dark brown.
As the problem progresses, leaves form lines at right angles to the main veins and may curl up or become deformed. In extreme cases, the banana’s pulp cab turn black, and the plant will stop growing. Once a plant shows signs of deficiency it usually cannot fully recover, and even though flowering may be regular, the plant will not produce fruit.
See pictures of boron deficient bananas
Boron deficiency is sometimes mistaken for calcium deficiency, which also leads to browning on the upper leaves but produces lighter colored patches and starts at the top of the leaf rather than the edge. Often boron deficiency and calcium deficiency go hand in hand because boron is critical for calcium absorption.
Partner with an expert
The good news is these problems can be corrected if they are addressed early enough by applying the right amount of nutrients at the proper point in the growing cycle. A systematic approach that combines soil testing and regular fertilization results in improved yields, consistent quality, better plant health, and increased disease resistance.
Our local agronomists understand the challenges of growing bananas in your particular region. They can help you find the right combination of nutrients to maximize your crop productivity. Contact us to find out how U.S. Borax can help your banana plantation.
Resources
References
1. Voora V, et al. March 2023. Banana prices and sustainability. International Institute of Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2023-03/2023-global-market-report-banana.pdf
2. FAOSTAT. 2025. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QV
3. Banana Production by Country 2025. 2025. World Population Review. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/banana-production-by-country
4. India targets $1 billion banana exports as sea route trial proves successful. Dec 31, 2024. DDNews. https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-targets-1-billion-banana-exports-as-sea-route-trial-proves-successful/
5. Gowda SD. Jul 7, 2025. Banana bio-economy of Burhanpur: Promoting sustainability and empowering women. DowntoEarth. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/economy/banana-bio-economy-of-burhanpur-promoting-sustainability-and-empowering-women