Bananaman88

I've recently come across some information about how prevalent canna virus has become. I'm wondering since they are related can members of the Musa genus, or for that matter, heliconias, gingers, Strelitzia, etc. contract this virus? I have a collection of almost all of these and wonder if I have cause for concern.

Gabe15

The only things I can remember off the top of my head is that Cannas and some gingers may become a host for the bunchy top virus and Heliconias are affected by Panama Disease race 3, but I'm pretty sure that race doesn't affect banana. I'm not too familiar with diseases in these other related plant families, but to answer the question simply. Yes, it is possible for your bananas to get infected from other non-banana plants, though I personally don't know which ones might be an issue, but I'm sure there is literature out there on this subject.

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Growing bananas in Colorado, Washington, Hawaii since 2004. Commercial banana farmer, 200+ varieties.

Bananaman88

Thanks, Gabe. From what I have read, there are at least four different viruses that can affect cannas. One is called yellow mottling virus and the others I cannot remember off the top of my head. I think I have a couple of cannas that I need to pitch myself as they have been looking suspect all season. All is well for the time being with my musas, heliconias, and various gingers.

Dean W.

Great question!

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Zacarias

I'm gonna start growing cannas soon...how does one protect cannas or at least decrease the likelihood of getting the virus?

Zach

Bananaman88

You need to be VERY careful when purchasing any new stock. From what I've read, almost all sources have at least some contamination. Most of the reputable sellers are really trying to get this under control and get rid of any of their virused stock. But not everyone is that honest, so be careful.

Banana Mike

Any canna you buy might have virus. I lost 4 plants this year from virus that I bought from my local nursery. So I'm out $6. Not even worth the trip back to the store, especially considering that I lost the receipt.

But I'm done with that. It's not the money I lost, it's the threat of spreading the virus to my good plants.

In the future I will only grow from seed, or buy/trade rhyzomes from people I know.

I got 60 canna growing from seed this year and they are all looking good. Though not proven, it's generally believed that the virus does not spread through seed. I think seed is the way to go. High germination rates and the seeds are cheap to buy and ship.

Though keep in mind, seeded canna can be a real crap-shoot. For one, not all the seeds will grow "true". Some will be runty throw-aways. Certain variety, like Tropicanna, cannot be grown from seed.

Good Luck!

Bananaman88

From what I have read, most people agree that the virus is not spread by seed, so that should be a safe option. However, I don't think anyone is 100% certain and as you stated, varieties such as 'Tropicanna', 'Bengal Tiger', and many of the other beautifully vareigated/patterned leaf varieties cannot be propagated in this manner. It's a shame.