Viral disease of banana

a) Bunchy top virus – Pentalonia nigronervosa.

• Transmitted by Aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa
• Infected plants show short and narrow leaves together at the top of the pseudo stem to form a bunch, hence this disease is known as ‘Bunchy top’.
• The margins of leaves become wavy in advance stage of infection and roll upward.
• Remove all the affected plants along with complete rhizome, planting of virus free suckers.
• Control of banana aphid – spray 0.3% Rogar or Phosphomidon, Monocrotophos – 0.05% spray.

b) Banana bract mosaic virus:

• transmitted by Aphis gossypii, Pentalonia nigronervosa.
• Recognized by conspicuous discolouration and necrotic streaks that develops on the bracts of the male bud. Spindle shaped discolouration found on the pseudostem.

c) Banana Streak:

• Transmitted by citrus mealy bug – Planococcus citri
• Foliar symptoms resemble those of banana mosaic, especially in the early stages.
• Later, development of necrotic streaks.