Disease : Banana Streak Mosaic

This viral disease has been reported from almost all banana growing areas in the State.

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Symptoms

  • Nendran and Poovan are highly susceptible.
  • Conspicuous chlorotic leaf streaks of varying sizes parallel to midrib and perpendicular to the leaf veins is the characteristic symptom
  • Chlorotic to dark green streaks also appear on the midrib, petiole and pseudostem
  • Subsequently these streaks become necrotic
  • Most often necrotic streaks also appear on leaf veins, especially near to midrib
  • Lamina gets reduced in size, become brittle and roll upward with mosaic mottling
  • Thickening of veins brittleness of leaves
  • In severe cases, newly formed leaves are represented by the midribs alone
  • Affected plants seldom produce bunch

Procedure for Observation

Select five rows at random from 10 cent plot. Observe plants showing typical virus symptoms.

ETL

Mere presence

Spread of Disease

  • Primary spread through daughter suckers from the diseased plants.
  • Secondary spread through mealy bugs (Planococcus citri) in a semi-persistent manner.
  • Control Measures

    • The most important measure is to use only disease free planting material for propagation.
    • The diseases should be detected early in the field and immediately eradicate infected plants including suckers.
    • Affected plants can be destroyed by spraying kerosene or by injecting herbicides like 2-4 D
    • Do not take suckers from infected fields
    • Use tissue culture plants and certified disease free suckers for planting.
    • Avoid growing leguminous and cucurbitaceous vegetables as inter crops.
    • Before planting spread lemon grass in the pit,(if available)
    • Apply cartap hydrochloride 4 G @ 25 g per plant 20 days after planting. A second and third dose of the chemical are to be applied in the leaf axil @ 12.5.g each at 65 days and 165 days after planting.
    • Spray Verticillium lecanii to control aphid vectors @ 20 g or 5 ml /l at 25,65 and 165 days after planting . Where ever insecticides are applied 10 day gap should be given for biocontrol application.
    • Apply neemcake @ 1 kg in two split doses 25 -30 days after planting and the second at 60-65 days after planting.
    • Predators of banana aphids include lady bird beetles (Symnus nubilus, Pseudaspidimerus circumflexa , Micraspes crocea, Menochilus sexmaculatus) Syrphids (Paragus serratus, Ascarina spp.) and a Hemerobid. Protect these natural enemies.
    • Varieties such as Karpooravalli,kanchikela, Njalipoovn and koombillakannan are tolerant against bunchy top infection.