Banana virus strikes in Maunawili
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward Bureau
MAUNAWILI — Stunted leaves growing from the top of banana trees at some homes in Maunawili Valley serve as a reminder that the bunchy-top virus remains a problem.
Kyle Sackowski • The Honolulu Advertiser
The virus has wiped out hundreds of thousands of plants throughout the state since its discovery on O'ahu in 1989. It decimated the banana industry on O'ahu and forced quarantines that ban the transport of banana plants from O'ahu and Kona to this day. Last year Kaua'i restricted the movement of the plants from one part of the island to another for 180 days.
Maunawili resident Louise Rodrigues examines leaf rot on one of her banana plants infected with the bunchy-top virus. Agriculture officials warn backyard gardeners to be cautious about where they get their replacement plants. While infected aphids that spread the virus have been found on gingers and ornamental bananas, such plants go unharmed.
Discovery of the virus recently in the back yards of Maunawili isn't surprising because the disease is widespread in that part of Windward O'ahu, but the state Department of Agriculture said it is a concern nevertheless. If residents were better able to recognize the disease, steps could be taken to lower the incidence of the virus, giving growers a better chance of success.
The disease is devastating.
"Once you get this, you might as well destroy your banana plant because you're not going to get any fruit anymore," said Nilton Matayoshi of the Department of Agriculture. If the tree does bear fruit, the quality will be poor. Any keiki from the mature plant will be infected because the disease travels to the corm, from which new plants sprout.
The only way to treat the disease is to kill the aphids that carry the virus and then destroy the tree and corm.
Destroy aphids, then kill plant
This is the action recommended by the state Department of Agriculture upon discovery of the bunchy-top virus in your banana trees.
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Sanitize: Infected plants should be sanitized by soaking between the leaves with a soapy solution (1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid to 1 gallon of water) to drown the aphids and keep them from flying to other trees.
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Kill the tree: The tree can then be killed with a chemical herbicide, such as Roundup Ultra herbicide. A special "local needs" permit is required to purchase the chemical. For information, call Nilton Matayoshi at 973-9538.
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For more information: Call these hot lines — O'ahu, 973-9542; Kaua'i, 274-3069; Hawai'i, 961-3299; Maui, 873-3557.
Maunawili resident Carol Ann Ellett noticed the characteristic stunting nature of the disease in her bananas and in those of neighbors on both sides of her home. She did some research and, after confirming the problem, alerted the community. She has since heard from residents on Pu'ualoha and Maleko streets, Aloha 'Oe Drive and Lola Place, she said.
"It's fairly well spread," said Ellett, who is letting neighbors know that the state will inspect the trees and advise whether they should be removed.
Matayoshi said Maunawili banana farmers were wiped out long ago along with many other small farms. A few of these trees remain in back yards, but most are gone.
The virus is also well established in Kalihi, Palolo and Kaimuki, Matayoshi said. It thrives in wetter climates, so drier areas like Mokule'ia — where there is one major producer — have fewer problems.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
