Scientists have expressed fears that a new banana virus may affect the nation of Uganda in the next three years. Recent research by the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO-Mak) has revealed that the virus, which was first reported in Area district, is likely to affect the West Nile region.
Jerome Kabiriba from Makerere University said the virus forms small bunches out of the banana clusters. According to Kabiriba, Uganda as a whole is likely to lose $1.5 bln (approximately sh5.4 trillion) because banana farming generates money in the hands of many people who sell and depend on the food for their income.
Banana bunchy top disease is the most serious virus disease of bananas worldwide. Diseased plants rarely produce fruit and when they do, the fruit is stunted and twisted. However, in the rare scenario that the diseased plant does produce fruit that reaches maturity, it is edible
Source: newvision.co.ug