Real-Time PCR Detection of Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) from Explant Sources for Micropropagation of Cavendish Banana

Cavendish bananas are efficiently propagated through micropropagation (tissue culture). However, the risk of virus transmission especially Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) in micropropagated plants is also present (Thomas, J. E. et.al, 1995). With this, it is important to ensure that the materials used for micropropagation are virus-free. At present, ELISA and Conventional PCR are used for BBTV detection but the procedures have limitations in terms of the time required during sample preparation and the availability of the results. This study describes a fast and reliable real-time PCR detection of BBTV from explant sources for micropropagation of Cavendish banana.