Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the potential role of banana weevils as vectors of Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm), causal agent of banana wilt. Weevils captured from Xcm-infected plants were tested for presence of Xcm, and further raised on Xcm-infected corms for later use as vectors to transmit the pathogen to healthy tissue-cultured plantlets. Analysis of weevils captured from diseased fields revealed more weevils contained Xcm originating from ‘Mbwazirume’ compared with ‘Kayinja’ cultivars. Colonies of Xcm were recovered from the weevil external body surface, internal organs (mouth parts and abdomen) and faecal matter. There was significantly higher Xcm presence and cfu mL−1 on the external weevil body surface than within the internal organs. Bacterial populations declined progressively from the external body surface, internal mouth parts, internal abdominal parts and the faecal matter. Following placement of weevils previously fed on Xcm-exuding corms in close proximity to healthy potted plants, infection occurred, with characteristic disease symptoms observed on all cultivars evaluated except ‘Kayinja’ which remained symptomless. Isolation from both symptomatic and asymptomatic plants revealed erratic Xcm incidence and cfu g−1 that did not correlate to the number of weevils released in all cultivars, except for ‘Kayinja’. This study showed that Xcm can survive on and within the banana weevil and potentially spread the pathogen to neighbouring plants.
Published Version
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