Banana Bract Mosaic Disease

Stewart Lindsay, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

What is it?

This disease is caused by a virus called the banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV). Unknown economic damage potential but some farms experienced 40% losses.

Where is it? (as at Oct 2000)

Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Western Samoa.

What do I look for?

The most distinguishing mark is a dark red/brown mosaic pattern that appears on the bracts of the flower. 

Initially green or red streaks or spindle-shaped lesions appear on leaf petioles and sometimes on the midrib of new leaves.

If the dead outer leaves are peeled back brown spindle-like streaks can be seen on the exposed trunk. Sometimes the only symptom is on leaf sheaths in the pseudostem, covered by the dead outer leaves.

Chlorotic streaks may appear on bunch stems and severe incidences lead to fruit rejection.

Using biochemical techniques, the virus has been detected in otherwise symptomless plants.

How does it spread?

Transmitted by several aphid species and also by using infected planting material. It is not thought to be infectious from soil.

Cross infection from farm knives is not thought to be a problem but there is only limited information of this at present.

What control options are there?

Use disease free planting material. Use only virus free tissue culture material.

What to do if I suspect an outbreak?

Banana bract mosaic is an exotic quarantine disease that poses a threat to the Australian banana industry. If you suspect that you have Banana bract mosaic immediately contact the nearest DPI&F office, or the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 132523.

Last update: 20 April 2005