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Identification:
This virus is spread through the movement of infected plants. There is no cure. Early symptoms include "morse code" dark green streaking on the leaf stem, signs of the banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa) which transmits this virus. As the disease develops, flowers will display mottled and streaked coloration, dark green streaks with "J hook"  shape near the midrib, and new leaves will grow in bunched and upright, with yellow wavy margins. There is no cure for this virus.
Dispersal Mechanism: BBTV is spread by banana aphids which feed on infected plants later transporting the virus to healthy banana plants. It is also spread by the movement of infected plants.
Origin and Distribution: Banana bunchy top virus was first introduced to Hawai‘i in 1989. It was first seen on O‘ahu, then the disease made its way to the Big Island followed by Kaua‘i. In 2002, BBTV was first detected on Maui in Pukalani. Since then, it has been found in Pukalani, Makawao, Kula, Kahului, Lahaina and Kihei.
More information about this pest
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Cucumber Mosaic Cucumovirus (CMV):
The cucumber mosaic cucumovirus is also spread by the banana aphid, though it does not spread as rapidly as BBTV, nor does it cause significant damage to banana fruit. Symptoms include flower mottling and streaking. CMV does not cause the "morse code" pattern on the leaf stem found in banana plants infected with the bunchy top virus.
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Mottling and streaking of banana leaves and flowers due to cucumber mosaic virus
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