Abstract:
The presence of banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) which causes
severe economic losses has been tested in samples collected from Malaysia
using polymerase chain reaction method. Leaf and mid rib tissues collected
from research stations and fanners' fields in Malaysia were received at
Queensland University of Technology in March 1996 and stored at -20o C
and tested in October 1996. The protocol and the methodologies are
described. The results indicate that 18 out of the 52 tested samples were
positive for BBTV. The results varied from strong, moderate to mild
reactions. Both apparently diseased as well as apparently healthy field
samples gave certain percentages of positive reaction. These tests confirmed
the presence of BBTV in certain parts of Malaysia.
