Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV)
Banana Bunchy Top Virus is one of the most destructive viral diseases of banana plants. It is transmitted by the banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa) and through infected planting material. BBTV is present in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, parts of Africa, and has been detected in Hawaii.
Symptoms
- New leaves are stunted, narrow, and progressively smaller, forming a tight "bunchy" rosette at the top
- Dark green dots and dashes ("Morse code" pattern) along leaf veins and petioles
- Leaf margins turn upward and become yellow
- Plants rarely produce fruit, and if they do, the bunch is distorted and worthless
What to Do
There is no cure. Infected plants must be destroyed (not composted). Report suspected BBTV to your local agricultural extension office, as it is a regulated disease in many areas.
Prevention
- Control aphids, which are the vector
- Use only virus-free planting material — tissue culture plants from certified sources
- Do not move planting material from areas where BBTV is present
- Inspect plants regularly for symptoms