Annals of Applied Biology (2008) 153, 1-9

C.R.R. Hooks, M.G. Wright, D.S. Kabasawa, R. Manandhar and R.P.P. Almeida (2008)
Effect of Banana bunchy top virus infection on morphology and growth characteristics of banana
Annals of Applied Biology 153 (1), 1-9
Abstract: Field experiments were conducted in Oahu, Hawaii, to investigate the effects of banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) infection on growth and morphology of banana (Musa acuminata). The time interval between aphid inoculation of BBTV and the initial appearance of disease symptoms (i.e. incubation period) was also determined. Plants infected with BBTV showed a significant reduction in petiole size (i.e. length and distance), plant canopy and height, leaf area, pseudostem diameter and chlorophyll content compared with control plants. Growth differences between virus-infected and control plants were not observed until 40-50 days after the plants were inoculated with viruliferous aphids. Other growth parameters such as petiole width and leaf production were not statistically different between infected and control plants. The incubation period of banana bunchy top disease or appearance of symptoms ranged from 25 to 85 days after aphid inoculation. However, PCR assays provided earlier detection of BBTV in banana plants compared with visual symptoms.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Mark G. Wright, Rodrigo P.P. Almeida

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
damage/losses/economics
damage/losses/economics

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Banana bunchy top virus	Banana/plantain (Musa)