Guide to Banana Bunchy Top Disease: Surveillance, control, and production recovery

This guide offers practical, up-to-date information for farmers and stakeholders involved in banana and plantain production and disease management. It outlines key strategies for the surveillance, control, and recovery of banana production affected by BBTD, with a focus on: Recognition of symptoms and disease detection, Removal of infected plants, Effective management of the banana aphid (the virus vector), Strengthening banana seed systems through the use of virus-free planting materials and Community-based surveillance and coordinated control efforts. By presenting proven, accessible, and sustainable practices, the guide aims to close the information gap that limits effective BBTD control in many farming communities. It equips growers and support networks with the tools needed to reduce the disease’s impact and safeguard livelihoods. This guide accompanies the AFRIQUe-learning online course on Banana Bunchy Top Disease by A.B. Omondi and B. Tran. It is designed to give learners additional insights and a deeper understanding that go beyond the online course material.