Cucumber Mosaic Virus in Banana
Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) is mostly known to affect vegetables, but it can also infect banana plants and quietly reduce both yield and quality.
The virus spreads mainly through aphids—tiny insects that feed on plant sap. Once a banana plant is infected, symptoms like yellow patches, mosaic-like patterns on leaves, and stunted growth begin to appear. Infected plants often produce smaller bunches and poor-quality fruits.
The most common sources of infection are aphids, infected suckers, and weeds nearby that host the virus. Since there’s no cure after infection, prevention is the key.
To manage CMV :
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Use clean, virus-free suckers or tissue-cultured plants
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Control aphids early with proper sprays
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Uproot and destroy infected plants
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Keep fields free from weeds and alternative host plants
CMV might not always be obvious, but its impact can be serious. Early detection and good planting practices can protect your banana crop.
