A plant virus that could threaten banana plants on Maui and other islands has been detected in the Pukalani area, state agriculture officials said yesterday. Banana plant virus
found on MauiAssociated Press
The banana bunchy top virus was found in December, according to the state Department of Agriculture. Because surveys of other parts of Maui did not detect the virus, state officials believe it is confined to the Pukalani area.
The state has prohibited the movement of banana plants and parts from Maui to the other islands until further notice. Agriculture officials also are asking residents in the Pukalani area to voluntarily stop the movement of banana plants and parts -- except for the fruit -- to other parts of Maui to stop the spread of the virus.
The bunchy top virus, one of the most serious viral diseases of banana plants, is characterized by young leaves that are stunted, resulting in a bunchy appearance. Infected plants produce small, deformed fruit and in advanced cases produce no fruit at all.
The virus is spread by the banana aphid and by people moving and planting infected young plants, officials said.
"The department will continue to survey the area and destroy infected banana plants," said Sandra Lee Kunimoto, chairwoman for the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. "We ask that Maui residents with banana plants take a closer look at their plants and contact the department if they detect any signs of disease."
State Department of Agriculture