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banana bunchy top virus


banana bunchy top virus (BBTV)

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is a disease that is killing banana plants on Maui. It stunts the growth of banana plants, produces yellow, stiff, bunched up leaves, and may eventually halt fruit production.

BBTV threatens the agricultural and cultural values of bananas on the island. Banana farmers may lose income if the disease were to take hold of their banana crops and will change their way of life. Maui is also at risk of losing banana varieties that were first introduced to Hawaii by Polynesian settlers. Over twenty of these varieties are found on Maui - more than any other island in Hawaii.

Maui is the only island within Maui County that presently has BBTV. A large infestation is found in Pukalani with smaller infestations in Makawao, Kula, Kihei, Kahului and Lahaina. The disease is spread by a banana aphid.

To prevent the further spread of BBTV, do not move banana plants out of infested areas. Plant healthy banana keiki that are from non-infected areas. If you have BBTV please contact MISC or HDOA for assistance.

There is no cure for this banana disease!! It will take everyone's cooperation to stop banana bunchy top virus from spreading and preserve one of our most valuable economic and cultural resources.

banana bunchy top virus
banana bunchy top virus
More information on banana bunchy top virus:

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This page was created on 22 January 2007 by LF, and was last updated on 06 Febuary 2007 by LF. The source material for the content of this page was provided to HEAR by MISC, and the photo is used courtesy of Scott Nelson (CTAHR). Valid HTML 4.01!