- Restricted distribution. In Samoa. Banana and other Musa species, red ginger, cardamom.
- Severe virus disease, causing stunting, distortions, small, unfilled fingers. Yield losses to 40% in plantain bananas (AAB/ABB) in Philippines. Commercial AAA varieties susceptible but damage comparatively less.
- Chlorotic or reddish-brown streaks, stripes, sometimes spindle-shaped, on the male 'bell', flower stalks, leaves, petioles and stems. Infected suckers may not bear fruit.
- Spread: aphids, non-persistently. Longer distances in suckers for planting.
- Biosecurity: high risk; transfer only virus-tested plants in tissue tissue following (FAO) international guidelines.
- Biocontrol: none
- Cultural control: plant suckers from BBrMV-free source (monitor crop beforehand); limit access to crop by plantation workers only; if BBrMV seen, spray to kill aphids (see below), then remove/destroy plant: (i) dig out, or (ii) use herbicide, or (ii) scoop out centre and add kerosene.
- Chemical control: kill aphids on diseased plants: (i) if smallholder - soap, white oil (vegetable) or horticultural oil (petroleum) (see Fact Sheet no. 56), or (ii) if commercial - synthetic pyrethroids.
