Assessing Banana Varieties for their Response to Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) Infection

Author: A.D. Gadhave, M.S. Joshi, P.A. Sahane, S.V. Sawardekar, P.D. Patil and B.D. Shinde

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Abstract

The Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) causes severe disease development in bananas resulting in a considerable reduction in yield. This study aimed to investigate the response of commercial banana cultivars, viz. Red Banana, Grand naine, Safed Velchi, and Rasabale, to BBTV. Ensuring consistent evaluation across diverse banana types, managing subjective symptom identification, and conducting extended observations demand meticulous resources. Integrating genomic analysis, ethical concerns, and real-world adaptability further complicates the implementation of resistant sources in sustainable agriculture. Pentalonia nigronervosa, an insect vector that feeds on banana plants, was used to transmit the virus. During the experiment, ten viruliferous adult aphids were allowed to feed on each healthy plant, with an acquisition feeding period of 24 hrs. and 48 hours of inoculation feeding period. Banana plants were then observed for three months to determine the incubation period and intensity. At the end of the observation period, all cultivars showed typical symptoms of BBTV. The disease incidence rate was 73.33%, 83.33%, 26.66%, and 16.66% for Red Banana, Grand Naine, Safed Velchi, and Rasabale, respectively, at the three-month growth stage. At the six-month growth stage, the incidence of BBTV was 66.33%, 80.00%, 36.66%, and 13.33%, respectively. At the nine-month growth stage, the incidence of BBTV was 60.00%, 66.66%, 30.00%, and 13.33%, respectively. This paper highlights the importance of exploring banana germplasm to find a resistant BBTV source.

Keywords

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), Incubation period, Germplasm, Insect vector, Cultivars, Acquisition feeding period

Conclusion

This study aimed to assess various banana varieties for their response to Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) infection, and our findings have provided valuable insights into the susceptibility and resistance of different banana cultivars to this devastating viral disease. Through rigorous experimentation and data analysis, we observed significant variations in the response of the tested banana varieties to BBTV infection. Some varieties displayed a high degree of susceptibility, showing severe symptoms and rapid spread of the virus throughout the plants. In contrast, Rasabale and Safed velchi varieties exhibited a remarkable level of resistance, with limited symptom development and restricted virus proliferation. These findings have important implications for banana cultivation and management strategies, especially, in regions where BBTV poses a significant threat to banana production. Farmers and stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding which banana varieties to cultivate based on their susceptibility or resistance to BBTV. By choosing resistant varieties, they can potentially reduce the impact of the disease and minimize crop losses with reduced use of Pesticides.

References

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How to cite this article

A.D. Gadhave, M.S. Joshi, P.A. Sahane, S.V. Sawardekar, P.D. Patil and B.D. Shinde (2023). Assessing Banana Varieties for Their Response to Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) Infection. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 1596-1600.