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Prevalence of banana streak badnavirus in Kenya A. Wangai, L. Karanja, J. Ndung’u, E. Kimani, S. Kilonzo, F. Nguthi Musa spp. contain banana streak (BSV) viral sequences integrated in their host’s nuclear genome. The integrated viral sequences may become the source of BSV infection brought about by stress factors such as environmental conditions, the normal breeding process or in vitro propagation. The intensity of symptoms varies depending on virus isolate, host cultivar and environmental conditions. A survey of banana streak virus was carried out within the important banana-growing regions in Kenya, covering 47 divisions within 12 administrative districts in Central, Eastern, Western and Nyanza Provinces. Based on symptom expression, the study revealed prevalence of BSV with incidence varying from low (0.2%) in Maragwa District to moderate (11.1%) in Nyeri District. Infected plants could be categorized as symptomless, mild or severe according to the severity of the symptoms. Splitting of the base of the leaf sheaths and detachment of leaves and overall stunting of the plant were symptoms of BSV observed.The virus was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using three different batches of polyclonal antibodies from different sources. Out of 806 banana samples analysed, 12% tested positive for BSV. The detection level was highest for samples from central Kenya (> 50%) and lowest in eastern (< 1%). The rate of re-infection of virus-free tissue culture banana seedlings when planted in open field was studied and observed to be 2–3 months when subjected to high BSV inoculum pressure. Molecular analysis of samples using primers from various integers of the virus is in progress and will be discussed.
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