MaxSil proves its worth on Bananas in Far North Queensland

In the lush, tropical landscape of Far North Queensland, one 55-year-old family-run banana farm business has made substantial inroads into improving both the quality and quantity of fruit produced.

Naomi Brownrigg, a second-generation farmer from Sellars' Bananas in Mission Beach (near Tully), and her family have achieved the gains after the discovery of a silica deficiency in the family farm’s soils. 

Agronomist Shane Fitzgerald, who was employed by Naomi, was the first to find the farm's soil was low in silica, a crucial element for healthy banana growth.

Similar issues were observed in other farms with the same soil type, resulting in a disease known as leaf speckle.

Despite having good control over another disease Yellow Sigatoka, Sellers' Bananas struggled to control leaf speckle. Shane believed there was a connection between the soil’s silica levels and the disease.

Naomi then reached out to the family’s local agricultural supplier and inquired about a silica product. The supplier recommended MaxSil, a product known for its high plant-available silica content.

It was initially applied every four years, and whenever the problem resurfaced, the family would boost the soil’s silica levels again.

“If you only pay attention to your NPK, calcium, and magnesium, you'll grow a big bunch for sure, but it doesn't mean you'll grow a quality bunch,” Naomi said.

“And sometimes I think, what a waste? We just threw half of it out.”

After applying MaxSil, the farm began producing bigger bunches of healthier bananas with improved shape, and firmer fruit, on plants less likely to lodge. The straighter-produced fruit also led to less damage and reduced the amount that previously had to be discarded.

“If you can reduce the waste factor, it's a really big thing. People we’re trying to sell the fruit to, they're after the best quality fruit that they can get their hands on. We're trying to provide that consistent fruit every week of the year.”

“I think MaxSil is a part of that journey for us and helps us achieve this quality standard that we're after,” Naomi said.