Qut Study Helps Efforts to Eradicate Banana Bunchy Top Virus (VIDEO)
Caption
Banana Bunchy Top Virus is a serious disease with no cure and if left unchecked entire plantations can become infected. The virus is a stubborn disease, transmitted from plant-to-plant in tropical regions, by the banana aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa... choking foliage and stunting fruit. Distinguished Professor Kerrie Mengersen says eradication has proved elusive despite ongoing traditional methods of monitoring and management. QUT led a study using stochastic mathematical modelling predicting areas of risk infection and describing disease spread, infectivity and recovery rates. Virus symptoms are hard to see from the air, as infestations occur under the leaves so precise forecasting can help solve real problems for farmers and the banana industry.
Credit
QUT Media
Usage Restrictions
None
License
Licensed content