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First Report of Banana Streak Virus Infecting Sugarcane and Arrowroot in Colombia

We have recently reported on the presence of banana streak virus (BSV) affecting plantains (Musa spp.) in Colombia (2). BSV is serologically related to sugarcane bacilliform virus and has been found to be transmitted by the pink mealybug (Saccharicoccus sacchari) from sugarcane to banana (1). In the vicinity of affected plantain crops in the localities of Andes (Antioquia) and Montenegro (Quindio), we observed sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) plants with chlorotic streaks on their leaves, as well as arrowroot (Canna edulis Ker-Gawl.) plants with mild mosaic symptoms. The foliar tissue of symptomatic plants of these two species was tested for BSV and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) by double antibody sandwich-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with commercial polyclonal antisera (Agdia Inc., Elkhart, IN). BSV was detected in samples of both plant species, whereas CMV was not detected in either one. Immunosorbent electron microscopy analysis of BSV-infected, symptomatic, foliar tissue of sugarcane showed the presence of viral-like bacilliform particles measuring approximately 150 × 30 nm, typical of BSV. This is the first report of BSV infecting Saccharum officinarum in Colombia and the first report of Canna edulis as a host for this virus.

References: (1) B. E. L. Lockhart and L. J. C. Autrey. Plant Dis. 72:230, 1988. (2) H. Reichel et al. Plant Dis. 80:463, 1996.