Bunchy Top DiseasePathogen: Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), transmitted by aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa.
Symptoms:- Short, narrow leaves clustered at pseudostem apex ('bunchy' appearance).
- Leaf margins wavy and rolled upward in advanced stages.
Management:- Remove affected plants with rhizome.
- Plant virus-free suckers.
- Control aphids with insecticides (e.g., 0.3% Rogor, 0.05% Monocrotophos).
Banana Bract Mosaic VirusPathogen: Banana bract mosaic virus, transmitted by Aphis gossypii and Pentalonia nigronervosa.
Symptoms:- Discoloration and necrotic streaks on male bud bracts.
- Spindle-shaped discoloration on pseudostem.
Management:- Early detection and removal of infected plants.
- Control vectors as for other viral diseases.
Banana Streak VirusPathogen: Banana streak virus, transmitted by citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri).
Symptoms:- Foliar mosaic and necrotic streaks on leaves.