Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds

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Summary

• Worldwide distribution. On banana and plantains. Occurs on AAB, ABB, AAAB tissue cultures. A minor disease (but, severe strains in Cavendish in Africa, Central and South America - internal rots, splits and death).
• Yellow streaks or bands from midrib to the margin, darkening with age. Affects vigour and fruit size.
• Spread is in planting material, and by mealybugs.
• Cultural control: disease-free suckers; survey and remove diseased plants as soon as disease seen.
• Chemical control: treat mealybugs with white or horticultural oils or soap.