Abaca bunchy top virus explained

Abaca bunchy top virus (ABTV) is a pathogenic plant virus of the family Nanoviridae. ABTV has been isolated from both abacá (Musa textilis) and banana (Musa sp.).^[1] ABTV has many similarities to banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) but is both genetically and serologically distinct in that it lacks two open reading frames found in BBTV's genome. ATBV's genome contains six circular components, each of which are 1,000-1,500 base pairs in length.

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Spread

The virus, first detected in 1915 at Silang, Cavite, Philippines, has since spread to various provinces in the country, and damaged more than 8000ha of abacá plantations in 2002 alone.

Resistance

In 2009, University of the Philippines Los Baños researchers funded by the Department of Agriculture developed an abacá variety that is resistant to the ABTV.^[2] The university is working further to make it resistant to mosaic and abacá bract mosaic viruses.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Sharman . M.. Thomas . J. E.. Skabo . S.. Holton . T. A.. Abacá bunchy top virus, a new member of the genus Babuvirus (family Nanoviridae). 10.1007/s00705-007-1077-z. Archives of Virology. 153. 1. 135–147. 2007. 17978886. 36957886.
2. News: Danny O. Calleja. 2009-06-05. Abaca researchers turn to biotechnology in efforts to save Manila hemp exports. Business Mirror. University of the Philippines Los Baños Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension. Manila. dead. 2011-04-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20120322032405/https://rdenews.uplb.edu.ph/index.php/articles-by-the-media/14-internet-articles/121-abaca-researchers-turn-to-biotechnology-in-efforts-to-save-manila-hemp-exports. 22 March 2012.
3. News: UP scientists trying to help abaca industry . Jo Florendo B. Lontoc . 2007-05-31 . Department of Agriculture Biotechnology Program . Business World . 2011-04-08 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120322111414/http://www.dabiotechnet.net/news.asp?id=49 . 2012-03-22 .