02-20-2018, 04:57 AM
Clayjacks, I work in a plant virology lab at UH. If you have any specific questions I will do my best to answer them.
Our research has shown that while the virus is transmitted by aphids, simply controlling the aphids is not an effective measure. All you need is one aphid to transmit the virus to an entire mat. The amount of insecticide needed to keep an area aphid free is prohibitive fiscally and environmentally (detrimental to other insect species).
We have recently found that Heliconia is another host of BBTV and can potentially serve as a reservoir of the virus. The symptoms in Heliconia are virus-like (chlorotic leaves and green flecking of the veins), but not identical to symptoms in banana.
The best thing you can do is eliminate any potential reservoirs of infection and use clean root stock for planting.
I could also suggest growing some sort of tall hedge as a windblock around your banana plantings to help prevent unwanted pests from blowing in on the wind.
Unfortunately there are currently no great control options for viral pathogens.
Our research has shown that while the virus is transmitted by aphids, simply controlling the aphids is not an effective measure. All you need is one aphid to transmit the virus to an entire mat. The amount of insecticide needed to keep an area aphid free is prohibitive fiscally and environmentally (detrimental to other insect species).
We have recently found that Heliconia is another host of BBTV and can potentially serve as a reservoir of the virus. The symptoms in Heliconia are virus-like (chlorotic leaves and green flecking of the veins), but not identical to symptoms in banana.
The best thing you can do is eliminate any potential reservoirs of infection and use clean root stock for planting.
I could also suggest growing some sort of tall hedge as a windblock around your banana plantings to help prevent unwanted pests from blowing in on the wind.
Unfortunately there are currently no great control options for viral pathogens.