Quote:
Originally Posted by Magilla Gorilla
I think it does as well. How would you deal with the owner. Most people grow banana plants here for a source of food. They may not understand what BBTV is and or who am I making this claim. The agricultural department may be the best way to handle it.
Thanks
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Banana plants that show symptoms rarely bear fruit so it should not be that hard to convince someone to destroy the infected plant.
The virus is spread by infected banana aphids. Sometimes these are spread by ants that 'farm' the aphids much like cattle. Easiest aphid emilination is to kill the aphids by spraying them with soapy water. After spraying the aphids, do not disturb the plant until the next day.
Banana aphids also feed on heliconia and flowering ginger. Although these plants do not harbor the virus, they should also be sprayed to control aphids on them when they are in the vicinity of banana plants. This would help reduce aphid populations in the area.
The main corm and any keikis arising from it must be dug up to prevent regrowth. If the infected plant is in a mat (group or clump of plants), the entire mat should be destroyed, even if only a single sucker is infected. Also, any bananas within a 4 ft radius should also be destroyed even if they do not show symptoms. Some infected plants may not show symptoms for as much as 5 months after infection.
Next, you must ensure that the plant is properly disposed of. Effective methods include incineration, burial in a landfill, thorough chopping and drying, and allowing them to rot in black plastic bags.
note - most hardware stores & plant shops should have insecticidal soap for sale.