Bunchy top aphid targets
Entomologists are seeking the holy grail of banana bunchy top control - a banana aphid eradication method - in a combined effort with industry to bring an end to the 100-year war against the worlds most devastating banana viral disease.
"The banana aphid is responsible for much of the spread of this devastating disease which affects plantations in the Tweed district of NSW and in southern Queensland," said entomologist Ruth Huwer.
As part of the banana bunchy top virus management project managed by the Australian Banana Growers Committee, the Alstonville-based entomology team is monitoring the field aphid populations and will test chemical controls in the field and in glasshouse trials.
"The whole Australian banana industry wants to be rid of this disease," said Dr Huwer.
"The new campaign began earlier this year to eradicate the disease and all commercial plantations on the Far North Coast of NSW and parts of south-east Queensland are being inspected for signs of the disease.
"Industry and Investment NSW is working with the projects manager David Peasley.
"The eradication effort involves regular inspections and the removal of infected plants."
Industry will decide after three years either to continue eradication or a control program.
Dr Huwer said the Alstonville entomologists aim to stop the virus spreading by controlling the aphids.
"Controlling the escape of aphids from diseased plants has previously been done using dimethoate but this product is under threat of removal, and has banana growers looking for a suitable alternative," she said.
"Possible chemical treatments will be tested in the field on tissue culture plants at Alstonville.
"A parallel trial will be run in the glasshouse to test the different effects of the insecticide on aphid activity and survival when the banana plant dies as opposed to when it remains a healthy plant."
Dr Huwer said plants affected by bunchy top typically have shorter, narrower, bunched-up leaves that are often a bit yellow and turned up at the edges.
"The disease dramatically affects fruit production and can be spread by aphids or with planting material such as banana suckers."
Banana bunchy top virus is a regulated disease under active quarantine in Australia, suspect plants should be reported to a hotline, 1800 068 371.
Contact Ruth Huwer, Alstonville, (02) 6626 2400.