Efficiency of Pentalonia nigronervosa (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Differential Susceptibility of Banana Cultivars to Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV)

Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indralaya, South Sumatra, Indonesia

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Abstract

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the most important horticultural crops cultivated worldwide and plays a significant role in supporting food security and rural livelihoods. In addition to its high nutritional value, bananas are rich in vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, making them an important component of the human diet. However, banana production is severely constrained by several pests and diseases, particularly those transmitted by insect vectors. One of the most important insect vectors associated with banana diseases is the banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel, which transmits Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), the causal agent of banana bunchy top disease. This study aimed to evaluate the transmission efficiency of P. nigronervosa in spreading BBTV among different banana cultivars and to assess its host range. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 14 banana cultivars with five replications. The observed variables included symptom development, incubation period, disease incidence, and host range of the vector. The results showed that 13 out of the 14 tested banana cultivars developed symptoms of BBTV infection following aphid infestation. Typical symptoms included dark green streaks along the leaf veins and midribs, leaf narrowing, stunting, and bunchy growth. The incubation period varied among cultivars, ranging from 20 to 43 days after infestation. Disease incidence ranged from 0% to 100%, indicating substantial differences in cultivar susceptibility to BBTV. Furthermore, P. nigronervosa was able to colonize various parts of the banana plant, and its population increased continuously in the presence of suitable host tissues and food resources. These findings demonstrate significant variation in the susceptibility of banana cultivars to BBTV and highlight the important role of P. nigronervosa in the epidemiology and spread of banana bunchy top disease.