BBTD containment by phytosanitation of infected plants in Cameroon

Banana and plantain (Musa spp.) contribute to livelihood and income in Central Africa, they are amongst,the most important food crops. BBTDwere first reported in Cameroon in 2009, Under the BBTV Alliance for banana bunchy top disease control in Africa, works were done on (1) characterization of banana farming system in BBTD affected area, (2) assessment of disease effect on farm, (3) Evaluation of the reduction in BBTD incidence after rouging and subsequent follow up visits (4) assessment of the effect of farming system on phytosanitation of BBTV infected mats and implication on BBTD management in smallholder farms in three locations in BBTD endemic area of South Cameroon.This work showed that, three sources of seeds; existing fields, buying from neighbor fields or village, and Extension service were identified with existing field as the main source of plantain seeds without any insurance of phytosanitary quality. The most frequent or popular varieties are AAB plantains Ebang, Essong and Elat, all susceptible to BBTD. Three type of farms were identified during this work; household, fallow and forest farms. BBTD incidence is greater in Mengama than Abang Minko’o and Nlono; The reinfection rate was progressively slow down with the increase of number of follow-up visit, while the lowest reinfection rate was obtained in the forest farms in low BBTD pressure area. In general, phytosanitation has contributed to reduce BBTD incidence in all the three locations and types of fields. Reduction in BBTD incidence achieved but 100% reduction was limited to fewer fields Reduction in BBTD incidence easily achieved in low disease pressure area. Frequent follow-up visits are needed for phytosanitation to be effective for BBTD control in Cameroon.