The role of insect vector Pentalonia nigronervosa in spreading banana bunchy top disease in South Sumatera

Abstract

Abstract Banana (Musa spp.) is widely cultivated by the people of South Sumatra. Banana Bunchy Top disease is caused by Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), which is transmitted by the vector Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and asymptomatic banana used for propagation. This study aimed to investigate the role of P. nigronervosa. in determining the distribution pattern of this disease in South Sumatra. The research used survey methods in several districts and cities in South Sumatra, namely Ogan Ilir, Ogan Komering Ilir, OKU East, OKU South, OKU Induk, Palembamg, Prabumulih, Banyuasin, Musi Banyuasin, and Lubuk Linggau. Samples were taken using purposive sampling method if BBTV-infected bananas in an area. The results showed P. nigronervosa was only found in Ogan Ilir and OKU Induk districts, but in fact this disease was spread in 10 districts and cities. A total of 14 banana cultivars in South Sumatera were infected by BBTV transmitted by P. nigronervosa, namely Mas, Cavendish, Putri, Lilin, Nangka, Ambon, Udang, Barangan, Kepok, Gedah, Rottan, Raja, Kapas and Raja Nangka. The highest banana population and percentage of banana plants infested by BBTV was found in the Ogan Ilir district in Mas and Lilin cultivars.