Intercropping for BBTD management

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is transmitted persistently by the banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel. To effectively and sustainably manage BBTV threat, this study was conducted to determine the effect of intercropping on BBTV spread and aphid population dynamics. A field experiment was planted in September 2013; four plantain cultivars,-2 local plantains (Essong, Ebang) and two hybrids (PITA 23, PITA 24)- were intercropped with improved cassava variety (TMS 96/0023). Data were collected on aphid abundance and BBTD incidence. for 24 months, differences were observed in aphid abundance and disease incidence between plantain cultivars. Although no significant differences were observed between intercropping and monocropping, curves of aphid dynamics and disease progress showed that, in general the rate of aphid population growth and rate of BBTD spread were higher after cassava harvest. Besides, cassava has added value to the total income of the field.