Banana aphid and Banana bunchy top virus in Africa–distribution and development of management options

The banana aphid is a serious pest of Musa throughout the tropical areas of the world. This aphid is the only known insect vector of Banana bunchy top virus, the causal agent of the devastating banana bunchy top disease (BBTD). This disease is considered the most important virus disease of Musa worldwide, and its distribution and severity in tropical areas of Africa has been increasing in recent years. In recent surveys we determined that BBTV is well established in several countries in Central and Southern Africa, and is emerging as serious constraint to banana production in some areas within those countries, as infected plants become stunted and do not bear edible fruit. While BBTV is transmitted by vegetative propagation, disease transmission by the aphid vector is also of considerable importance. The aphid is likely to be responsible for much of the local spread of the disease and to some extent for its long distance transport. In light of the recent surge in BBTD incidence and severity in Africa, it becomes necessary to simultaneously understand the factors that have contributed to this surge and to urgently develop sustainable disease control strategies that include at their core tactics to control the aphid as well as development of resistant/tolerant germplasm and promotion of appropriate phytosanitary measures to limit disease incidence and spread. Without proper control measures and widespread surveillance, BBTD is likely to increase in severity and continue its spread into Eastern and Western Africa with severe economic consequences.