Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds

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Summary

• Worldwide distribution, in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical countries. Very wide host range: cucurbit, bean, potato families, weeds as well as crops. A minor disease of banana.
• Light and dark green dots, short lines or patches along the veins; sometimes distortions. Later, new leaves appear healthy.
• Aphids spread sap and virus from diseased to healthy plants, moving by wing or wind between them.
• Cultural control: not appropriate as disease is not important on banana; important for many other crops.
• Chemical control: insecticides are not appropriate, mineral oil repel aphids and may reduce virus spread.