Management of Banana Bunchy Top Virus in Musa Production Systems in Edo State, South South Nigeria

Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), transmitted by the banana aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa, is a nanovirus causing one of the most destructive diseases of Musa crops globally. Its presence in Edo State, where plantain and banana cultivation are economically significant, necessitates professional assessment and management planning. This study evaluated current BBTV status, vector population dynamics, and the effectiveness of an integrated management programme combining roguing, insect vector control, and certified planting material in Musa production communities across Edo State. Baseline surveys across 60 plantain and banana farms confirmed BBTV incidence of 27 percent using polymerase chain reaction diagnosis. Seasonal P. nigronervosa population counts were conducted monthly over 18 months, revealing peak vector density during the dry-season months of January to March. Farms implementing a structured roguing programme at 30-day intervals reduced BBTV incidence by 61 percent over 12 months compared to unmanaged control farms. The addition of imidacloprid-treated planting material reduced secondary spread by a further 23 percent in roguing-plus-insecticide combination plots. Farmer compliance with monthly roguing was positively correlated with proximity to extension support offices. Economic analysis showed that the integrated programme increased net farm income by 28 percent over two years due to improved plant survival and bunch production. The study recommends formalisation of a state-level BBTV management protocol incorporating certified planting material supply and community roguing campaigns. Keywords: BBTV, banana, roguing, Pentalonia nigronervosa, Edo State.