Aphids Bring Unwelcome Surprises

 Cucumber Mosaic Virus or CMV is a viral disease infecting over 1200 species of plants globally, including Banana, causing significant losses in yield and fruit quality. Most of the time, it is carried in weeds and perennial crops and then picked up by Aphids which can pick up the virus from these infected plants and transmit it to healthy plants as they feed.  Amazingly, there are over 80 species of aphids which can spread CMV.  The severity of infection depends on the size and activity of aphid populations around the banana farm, as well as on the number banana plants infected. These in turn serve as reservoirs for the virus.

As Virus diseases are hard to treat and control, it is important to follow these guidelines:

Ensure maximum possible field sanitation if there has been an aphid infestation in your area and remove weeds with maximum care

Use tissue culture banana plants which are certified free from viruses. Buy plants from a lab with NCS TCP certification (National Certification System of Tissue Culture raised Plants), a body of the Govt of India that monitors performance of labs across the country  

Many Farmers have found pheromone traps, yellow sticky traps and use of floating row covers where possible to prevent aphids as a good prevention.

In case of severe infection, banana trees can be treated by spraying every 5 to 7 days with the below schedule: