Within-plant distribution and binomial sampling of Pentalonia nigronervosa (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on banana

The banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae), infests banana (Musa spp.) worldwide. Pentalonia nigronervosa is the vector of Banana bunchy top virus (family Nanoviridae, genus Babuvirus) the etiological agent of Banana bunchy top disease (BBTD). BBTD is currently the most serious problem affecting banana in Hawaii. Despite the importance of this vector species, little is known about its biology or ecology. There are also no sampling plans available for P. nigronervosa. We conducted field surveys to develop a sampling plan for this pest. Ten plots were surveyed on seven commercial banana farms on the island of Oahu, HI, for the presence of P. nigronervosa on banana plantlets. We found aphids more frequently near the base of plants, followed by the newest unfurled leaf at the top of the plant. Aphids were least likely to be located on leaves in between the top and bottom of the plant. Aphid infestation on surveyed plots ranged from 8 to 95%. We developed a sequential binomial sampling plan based on our surveys. We also discovered that the within-plant distribution of P. nigronervosa is an important factor to consider when sampling for this pest. Our sampling plan will assist in the development of sustainable management practices for banana production.     

Population distribution and density of Pentalonia nigronervosa (Hemiptera: Aphididae) within banana mats: influence of plant age and height on sampling and management

The banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is the most economically important pest of banana (Musa spp.) fields in Hawaii. Recently, there has been a concerted effort in Hawaii to learn more about the biology and ecology of this pest. However, limited work has been directed at determining the distribution of P. nigronervosa in banana fields and developing an integrated pest management plan. Therefore, a survey was conducted in banana fields throughout the Hawaiian Islands to determine the distribution and density of P. nigronervosa within banana mats from plants of different stages. Another aim was to determine whether the presence of ants on banana plants could be used as a reliable indicator of aphid infestations. Results of the survey showed that plants < or = 1.5 m (small sucker) in height contain the highest aphid populations per meter in plant height and that mother plants (> or = 2.5 m) had the lowest aphid counts and rate of infestation compared with small and intermediate suckers (> 1.5 < 2.5 m). More specifically, aphid population was reduced by approximately 12 aphids for every meter increase in plant height and that aphids are rarely found > or = 2.5 m within the plant canopy. Although there was an increase likelihood of finding ants on banana plants with higher aphid densities, results suggest that ants would be present on plants in the absence of aphids. Implications of these and other findings with respect to sampling and managing P. nigronervosa and associated Banana bunchy top virus are discussed.     

Effect of banana bunchy top virus infection on morphology and growth characteristics of banana

Field experiments were conducted in Oahu, Hawaii, to investigate the effects of banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) infection on growth and morphology of banana ( Musa acuminata ). The time interval between aphid inoculation of BBTV and the initial appearance of disease symptoms (i.e. incubation period) was also determined. Plants infected with BBTV showed a significant reduction in petiole size (i.e. length and distance), plant canopy and height, leaf area, pseudostem diameter and chlorophyll content compared with control plants. Growth differences between virus-infected and control plants were not observed until 40–50 days after the plants were inoculated with viruliferous aphids. Other growth parameters such as petiole width and leaf production were not statistically different between infected and control plants. The incubation period of banana bunchy top disease or appearance of symptoms ranged from 25 to 85 days after aphid inoculation. However, PCR assays provided earlier detection of BBTV in banana plants compared with visual symptoms.     

Differential expression of pathogenesis-related proteins and defense enzymes in banana: interaction between endophytic bacteria,Banana bunchy top virus and Pentalonia nigronervosa

Banana bunchy top disease caused by Banana bunchy top virus is the most serious viral disease of banana and plantain worldwide. The virus is transmitted by the aphid vector Pentalonia nigronervosa in a persistent manner. This paper deals with the effect of the interaction between plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria, Banana bunchy top virus, and the banana aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa in the expression of Pathogenesis-related proteins (PR-proteins) and defense enzymes in banana. The existence of virus in the aphids was confirmed by ELISA, DIBA and PCR. PCR could amplify 1100-bp replicase gene of BBTV from viruliferous aphids. A significant increase in the enzymatic activity of all measured PR proteins and defense enzymes, as compared to control plants, was seen in the plants inoculated with endophytic bacteria and challenged with viruliferous aphids. Native gel electrophoresis revealed expression of more isoforms of PR proteins viz., peroxidase and chitinase in the banana plants challenged with mixtures of plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria and viruliferous aphids. Enhanced activity of a PR-2 protein viz., β-1,3-glucanase was also noticed in the viruliferous aphids infested plants. Some of the defense-related enzymes viz., Polyphenol oxidase and Phenylalanine ammonia lyase and phenolic compounds were also upregulated, up to 5 days after aphid infestation and thereafter there was a reduction in the enzymatic activity. Thus, there exist a differential accumulation of PR proteins and defense-related enzymes, when there is tri-tropic interaction between endophytic bacteria, virus, and insect and the role of the endophytic bacteria in the defense mechanisms against insect pests needs to be elucidated.     

Use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to study transmission of banana bunchy top virus by the banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa)

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is a ssDNA virus transmitted by the banana aphid, ( Pentalonia nigronervosa ). A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to study BBTV transmission efficiency, to determine the minimum acquisition-access period, the minimum inoculation-access period, the retention time, and to examine the possibility of transovarial transmission in this vector. BBTV was acquired by banana aphids within 4 h and was transmitted within 15 min feeding. On average, more than 65% of single viruliferous adult aphids transmitted BBTV. The aphids retained BBTV for their adulthood of 15–20 days. None of the 131 offspring from adult aphids reared on infected bananas were BBTV positive. Aphid transmission experiments were conducted to determine if taro and gingers are hosts of BBTV. None of the 87 taro and ginger plants exposed to aphid inoculation were infected by BBTV. The BBTV-free status of these plants was verified by PCR assay for 6 months post-inoculation. In addition, none of the taro and ginger samples collected from fields adjacent to BBTV-infected banana plants tested positive for BBTV.     

A PCR-based method, with internal control, for the detection of Banana bunchy top virus in banana

Banana bunchy top disease is a major constraint to banana production in most regions where this crop is grown. The disease is caused by Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), a multicomponent, single-stranded DNA virus of the family Nanoviridae. We have designed primers to a conserved region of the master replication-associated protein that are useful for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-mediated detection of BBTV. In addition, primers to banana genomic sequence are used as an internal control, overcoming the uncertainty (owing to false-negatives) inherent in PCR diagnostics. Together these primer sets are a valuable tool in the effort to control BBTV, particularly in screening micropropagated banana plantlets for the absence of virus before release to farmers.     

A PCR-based method, with internal control, for the detection of Banana bunchy top virus in banana

Banana bunchy top disease is a major constraint to banana production in most regions where this crop is grown. The disease is caused by Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), a multicomponent, single-stranded DNA virus of the family Nanoviridae. We have designed primers to a conserved region of the master replication-associated protein that are useful for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-mediated detection of BBTV. In addition, primers to banana genomic sequence are used as an internal control, overcoming the uncertainty (owing to false-negatives) inherent in PCR diagnostics. Together these primer sets are a valuable tool in the effort to control BBTV, particularly in screening micropropagated banana plantlets for the absence of virus before release to farmers.     

Potential implications of biopriming in banana (Musa spp) plantlets against banana bunchy top virus (BBTV)

Abstract

Transplant media as a means for the introduction of biological agents is currently being investigated in a variety of crops. This study aimed to investigate the impact of microbial inoculation in micropropagated banana plantlets to enhance their resistance against Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV). Virus indexed micropropagated plantlets of banana were subjected to root colonization followed by foliar spraying with bacterial strains Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf1, CHA0 and Bacillus subtilis EPB22 during primary and secondary hardening stage in the nursery, at the time of repotting and 3 months after planting in the pot. Microbe inoculated plantlets showed enhanced PR proteins and defense enzymes besides reducing banana bunchy top disease incidence under glasshouse condition. The results indicated the effective use of beneficial microbes in reducing the disease incidence of BBTV in tissue culture banana plantlets. In addition, the molecular characterization of endophytes isolated from banana plantlets, using SDS-PAGE and RAPD-PCR revealed that endophytes were categorized into two distinct groups. These results emphasize the significance of microorganisms in protection of young plantlets from transplanting stresses in field. Further, the use of beneficial microorganisms instead of chemicals sustains an ecological niche in the agricultural ecosystem.     

特异扩增BBTV基因组Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅰ编码区部分序列及其在检测中的应用

香蕉束顶病(BBTD)是香蕉植株的一种毁灭性病害,正在世界(包括中国)的许多香蕉种植区蔓延[1～7].其病原物为香蕉束顶病毒(Banana Bunchy Top Virus,BBTV),被列为我国第三类检疫对象.目前生产上主要采用培育脱毒组培苗来防治BBTD的发生,因此建立一种能快速、灵敏、特异地检测BBTV的方法就显得很重要.国内现在大多采用ELISA方法,但其灵敏度不够高,且需要制备特异性强的抗血清,否则较易出现假阳性.     

Incidence of Pentalonia nigronervosa coqueral (homoptera: Aphididae) and associated predators on banana plants in Egypt

The incidence of banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coqueral and the coccinellid predators populations on banana plants cultivated at the Agricultural Research Centre Farm in El-Kanater El-Khayria, Qualiobia Governorate, Egypt (about 30 km North Cairo) had been studied. The population of this insect pest was relatively high during the cold and wet months (October, November, December, January and February), and found at its lowest level during the summer months. On the other hand, the numbers of aphid were higher on the mother plants than on the suckers. On mother plants, the population density was much higher on the lower parts of the plant than on the upper parts. The growth rate of aphid population infesting the mother plant of banana in season 2001, increased during the period from January to March and decreased from April to June. The population growth rate then increased from July to November then decreased in December. The same trend could be applied for the growth rate of aphid population in season 2002. At high growth rate it is advisable to use chemical control. The effect of weather factors on the population density of the banana aphid; the correlation between the total number of aphid and temperature or R.H. had been worked out. The coccinellid beetles were found on the banana plants during the warm period from March to August.     

Bioinformatic Analysis of BBTV Satellite DNA in Hainan

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV),family Nanaviridae,genus Babuvirus,is a single stranded DNA virus (ssDNA) that causes banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) in banana plants.It is the most common and most destructive of all viruses in these plants and is widespread throughout the Asia-Pacific region.In this study we isolated,cloned and sequenced a BBTV sample from Hainan Island,China.The results from sequencing and bioinformatics analysis indicate this isolate represents a satellite DNA component with 12 DNA seque...     

香蕉束顶病毒研究进展

香蕉束顶病毒(Bananabunchytopvirus,BBTV)是引起香蕉束顶病害(Bananabunchytopdisease,BBTD)的病毒,它严重地危害了香蕉的生产。综述了近年来香蕉束顶病毒的分离提纯方法,株系划分以及分类地位,较为全面的介绍了BBTV病毒基因组分结构和各组分编码蛋白的功能等,并提出了目前需要进一步澄清的问题。     

Bioinformatic analysis of BBTV satellite DNA in Hainan

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV),family Nanaviridae,genus Babuvirus,is a single stranded DNA virus (ssDNA) that causes banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) in banana plants.It is the most common and most destructive of all viruses in these plants and is widespread throughout the Asia-Pacific region.In this study we isolated,cloned and sequenced a BBTV sample from Hainan Island,China.The results from sequencing and bioinformatics analysis indicate this isolate represents a satellite DNA component with 12 DNA sequences motifs.We also predicted the physical and chemical properties,structure,signal peptide,phosphorylation,secondary structure,tertiary structure and functional domains of its encoding protein,and compare them with the corresponding quantities in the replication initiation protein of BBTV DNA1.     

香蕉束顶病毒复制酶基因克隆及转基因表达

以广州市郊获得的香蕉束项病毒(BBTV)的DNA为模板,进行PCR扩增得到香蕉束项病毒复制酶基因的1.1 kb DNA.所获得的DNA序列与澳大利亚的BBTV序列的同源性达90%,这部分序列编码香蕉束顶病毒复制酶基因的羧基端.将改造的BBTV复制酶基因克隆到pBll21的CaMV 35S和NOS终止序列之间,构建表达载体,并采用基因枪轰击香蕉试管苗生长点组织的方法,经PCR检测和Westem blot分析,获得4株具有BBTV复制酶基因整合表达的To代转基因香蕉.转基因植株的抗病性正在检测之中.     

Biological and Molecular Categorization of Strains of Banana bunchy top virus

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), a complex circular single‐stranded DNA virus with multiple genomic components, is a destructive pathogen in banana‐cultivating areas worldwide. Based on symptoms (such as vein clearing, green streak on pseudostem, leaf atrophy, bunchy top and stunting) as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification patterns with different primer pairs, all BBTV isolates collected from Taiwan and other countries can be divided into five distinctive strains. Three primer pairs, C1, stem‐loop common region (CR‐SL) and TS were used for PCR amplifications. Strain 1, which induces conspicuous symptoms, is a common severe strain; it reacted positively with C1 and CR‐SL but negatively with TS in the PCR assays, so its PCR pattern was indicated as ‘+/+/?’ for C1, CR‐SL and TS primer pairs, respectively. Strain 2 seemed to be a Taiwan‐specific severe strain which induced severe symptoms, and its PCR pattern was ‘+/+/+’ as it showed positive reactions with all three primer pairs. Strain 3, causing the most severe symptoms, is a Malaysia‐specific severe strain whose PCR pattern is ‘?/+/?’. Strain 4 induced moderately severe symptoms and is an intermediate strain whose PCR pattern is ‘?/+/?’. Strain 5 is a mild strain; it did not induce symptoms in banana and it reacted positively with C1, CR‐SL and TS primer pairs. Interestingly, an additional 537‐bp fragment was amplified from Strain 5 with the CR‐SL primer pair. The PCR pattern of Strain 5 is therefore indicated as ‘+/++/+’. This study demonstrates that various BBTV strains exist in nature and they differ biologically and also molecularly.     

Demography of soybean aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) at summer temperatures

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, is now widely established in soybean, Glycine max L., production areas of the northern United States and southern Canada and is becoming an important economic pest. Temperature effect on soybean aphid fecundity and survivorship is not well understood. We determined the optimal temperature for soybean aphid growth and reproduction on soybean under controlled conditions. We constructed life tables for soybean aphid at 20, 25, 30, and 35 degrees C with a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Population growth rates were greatest at 25 degrees C. As temperature increased, net fecundity, gross fecundity, generation time, and life expectancy decreased. The prereproductive period did not differ between 20 and 30 degrees C; however, at 30 degrees C aphids required more degree-days (base 8.6 degrees C) to develop. Nymphs exposed to 35 degrees C did not complete development, and all individuals died within 11 d. Reproductive periods were significantly different at all temperatures, with aphids reproducing longer and producing more progeny at 20 and 25 degrees C than at 30 or 35 degrees C. Using a modification of the nonlinear Logan model, we estimated upper and optimal developmental thresholds to be 34.9 and 27.8 degrees C, respectively. At 25 degrees C, aphid populations doubled in 1.5 d; at 20 and 30 degrees C, populations doubled in 1.9 d.     

Vector transmission of Banana streak virus in the screenhouse in Uganda

Although mealybug transmission of Banana streak virus.(BSV) by Planococcus citri and Saccharicoccus sacchar has been demonstrated elsewhere, these mealybugs have not been identified on bananas in Uganda and their role and that of other agents in BSV transmission is not well documented. Insect samples were collected from banana farms in sites with low, moderate and high BSV infections in Uganda. Subsequently, live mealybugs and aphids were again collected and used in acquisition, retention and transmission tests, and BSV diagnosed using TAS‐ELISA. Dysmicoccus brevipes (pineapple mealybug), S. sacchari (sugarcane mealybug) and Pentalonia nigronervosa (banana aphid) were the most abundant insect species from banana fields sampled. Abundance of D. brevipes was positively and significantly correlated with BSV incidence unlike that of. P. nigronervosa. Transmission studies in the screenhouse showed that mealybugs acquired BSV one day after feeding on virus sources and approached optimum acquisition after the third day. Pineapple and sugarcane mealybugs retained BSV up to 5 days from the day of transfer from the virus source. BSV was first detected in the recipient banana plants 4 wk after transmission using pineapple mealybug and 6 wk after inoculation using sugarcane mealybug. Under screenhouse conditions, both mealybugs therefore appear to transmit BSV semipersistently.     

香蕉束顶病毒DNA组分2、3的启动子区的组织特异性分析

香蕉束顶病毒（BBTV）基因组至少由6个大小约为1.0-1.1kb的单链环状DNA组分所组成,每一个DNA组分包含编码区与非编码区。本文在前人的研究基础上进一步了解BBTV DNA组分启动子的功能。首先根据BBTV 海南分离物的全序列,通过常规PCR扩增出长为540bp的 BBTV DNA3组分启动子序列BV3.1,同时通过重叠PCR扩增出646bp的DNA2与DNA3组分非编码区拼接的重组启动子序列BV23,分别替代pBI121 35S启动子序列与gus基因进行融合,构建植物表达载体pBIBV3.1、pBIBV23。农杆菌介导转化获得的pBIBV3.1转基因烟草经GUS化学组织染色后,在其叶片的叶脉处检测到微弱的GUS活性,证实了DNA3组分的韧皮部特异表达活性;而pBIBV23转基因烟草,其叶片经GUS组织化学染色后,在叶肉、叶缘及一些叶脉上检测到弱GUS活性,这表明由BV23驱动的gus基因在烟草中类似于组成型表达,则DNA2组分转录方式可能有异于DNA3组分。     

香蕉束顶病毒的纯化及理化特性

从具有典型香蕉束顶病(BBTD)症状的香蕉病组织中提纯了香蕉束顶病毒(Banana bunchy top virus,BBTV)。电镜下可观察到直径为18nm的球形病毒颗粒。最高紫外吸收在255nm,最低紫外吸收在240nm,A_(260)/A_(280)为1.30。用标准BBTV抗体通过ECL-Western转印法测定其外壳蛋白分子量为21kDa。其核酸经DNaseI、RNaseA和Mung Bean Nuclease分析,表明是约1kb的ssDNA。结果与国外文献报道一致。     

香蕉束顶病毒研究新进展

介绍香蕉束顶病毒从发现到诊断和检测,从分子生物学研究到抗病毒基因工程,探究香蕉束顶病毒100多年的研究历程,为香蕉束顶病毒的深入研究和有效防治奠定了坚实的基础。