Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig 5.54 Bunchy top symptoms in banana sucker plants.
Fig 5.53 Advanced bunchy top disease in large banana plants.
on diseased leaves retain the virus for at least several weeks
and, if wind-borne, may spread the disease over many
kilometres. The virus also spreads in diseased planting
material. Tissue culture plants infected from an infected
source may not show symptoms. Banana is the only host
of this virus.
Fig 5.55 Bunchy top symptoms seen from above.
Use planting material only from a plantation that has
been free from bunchy top for at least the preceding two
years, or plants from tissue culture that have been
screened for freedom from
Banana bunchy top virus
and
Cucumber mosaic virus
.
Importance
Bunchy top is an important disease in south Queensland.
The incidence is usually low as a result of the regular
inspection and eradication program. Bunchy top does not
occur in north Queensland.
•
Observe quarantine restrictions on the movement of
banana plants within Queensland. Permits are required
before planting bananas.
•
Management
•
Spray the infected plant immediately once it is found,
with either kerosene, mineral oil or a contact insecticide,
to kill all the aphids on it.
Note:
Growers who find
Banana bunchy top virus
on
their properties in Queensland are required by law to
notify the Department of Primary Industries and
Fisheries.
Destroy the infected plant and all its attached suckers
within 48 hours, using an approved method.
•
