Vol. 10, Issue 6 (2021)

Author(s):
M Viswanath, Anindita Roy, K Antony Prajwala, SP Nanda, BVK Bhagavan and K Ravindra Kumar

Abstract:
Virus infections are a major biotic limitation for banana (Musa spp.) production because they reduce output and restrict international germplasm movement. The banana bunchy top virus and banana streak viruses are the most common and economically devastating viruses known to infect bananas. The most cost-effective way to reduce the harmful effects of viral infections on banana production is to employ virus-resistant bananas. The banana and plantain (Musa spp.) are India's most important fruit crops, providing a living for millions of resource-poor small farmers. For increased output, it is critical to use high-quality planting material. Although conventional suckers are still the most common planting material, tissue-culture plants are becoming more popular because to their benefits, such as more uniform bunches with even maturity and higher yield. For Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) and Cauliflower mosaic virus (CMV), specific polyclonal antibodies were used in a double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of Banana Bract mosaic virus (BBrMV) infected tissues confirmed the presence of the viruses in these plants. This article summarises current advances and future prospects in the detection of viruses in bananas.