BBTV+-+bananas

= BBTV - Bananas =

One banana plant at the port banana plantation shows signs of the banana aphid colony Ahpids spread the virus How many bananas per hectare?

33 x 7 = 231 33x70=2310 2310 + 23 = 2541 banana plants per hectare

2541 (banana plants per hectare) x 124 hectares (plantation B) = 263 004 banana plants in plantation B

Plantation A = 196 000 Plantation B = 315 084 Plantation C = 30 492 Plantation D = 986 832 Plantation E = 1 260 336

2 788 744 banana trees on the island


 * 1x2= 2 || day 10 ||
 * 1x2x3= 6 || day 20 ||
 * 1x2x3x4= 24 || day 30 ||
 * 1x2x3x4x5= 120 || day 40 ||
 * 1x2x3x4x5x6= 720 || day 50 ||
 * 1x2x3x4x5x6x7= 5 040 || day 60 ||
 * 1x2x3x4x5x6x7x8= 40 320 || day 70 ||
 * 1x2x3x4x5x6x7x8x9= 362 880 || day 80 ||
 * 1x2x3x4x5x6x7x8x9x10= 3 628 800 || day 90 ||

Amount of profit loss from BBVT:

Yields on The Island are excellent with each bunch weighing an average of 40 kg. Current export prices for The Island bananas are $994/tonne. Banana plants mature quickly, yielding their first bunch within 12 months, then one bunch on average every 8-12 months thereafter

$994/tonne conver to kg's 1000 kgs in a tonne $994 for 1000 kgs 994/1000 = $0.994 per kilo each bunch (one per tree) = 40 kg 40 x 0.994 = $39.76 per tree If we were to destroy the whole of the port plantation (63 525 banana trees) x $39.76

The island would occur a loss of $2 525 754

__//**Banana Bunchy Top Virus- Don't be fooled by the name, be afraid!**//__
As we know, there are concerns over the highly destuctive Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) and the﻿ possiblity that this disease may spread through our banana plantations on the Island. If these concerns are correct, the Island's economy, workforce and ultimately the way of life may be in grave danger. BBTV is a disease well known throughout Asia, India and Africa for its brutal decimation of banana crops (EBI, 2011). The virus is spread through aphids moving quickly from one plant to another.

Bad news first- there is no cure for BBTV (OzPolitic, 2011). However, there are a number of preventative measures to limit the spread of the virus and the aphids. The initial plan of action would be to check our existing banana crops for traces of the virus. Key indicators for the virus are: dark green streaks on the lower-middle part of the leaf and decay on the inner part of plant (CES, 2011). If affected the leaves will "bunch" at the top of plant and on most occasions will not bare any fruit (EBI, 2011). If these symptoms are found in any of our banana plants, the following measures need to be put in place. Firstly, all plants that show the symptoms are to be removed and destroyed by incineration. This is the only way to be completely sure the plant cannot spread the disease further (OzPolitic, 2011). A preventative measure, and I strongly suggest this is carried out reguardless of whether or not the disease is found, is to spray the plants with some kind of solution to stop the spread and eradicate the aphids. We have two choices: First choice is we spray the crops with a commercially available pesticide. While this is the most common form of control for diseases, the chemicals used in these solutions are not exactly environmentally friendly and would go against everything this great island stands for! I propose we use a safer, environmentally friendlier option- soapy water. This has been proven to work with small scale growers in areas of Africa (CES, 2011). We could use an environmentally friendly brand and arrange a deal with the company (possible exchange of hoverboards/hemp for soap?). The spray could be administered by hoverboard, instead of the usual light aircraft, drops.
 * Measures to be taken**

Quite simply, everyone! The farmers would be the first to be informed, as they know the crops well (sometimes too well!) so they are able to monitor for signs of BBTV. The government also needs to be informed and updated about events. As mentioned previously, this could destroy the Island's economy and could be the worst thing to happen to the Island since the journalists had their end of year drinks! Port authorities also need to be notified so they are able to check imports/exports of planting materials/vegetation for the virus. Those dodgy Bolivians, the ones we initially bought the hemp plants from, should be informed﻿ to stop them exporting/importing more plants carying BBTV. Even the public should be informed so if they happen to be walking through or past a plantation and think they see the symptoms on a plant theycan report it to the farmer.
 * Who needs to be told?**

Everyone should be made aware of the seriousness of this virus. The government needs to know that if this virus gets a hold of our crops the Island' s income will be severly affected. We also need to inform the government of the warning signs for the virus (they could possibly bring in specialists in the field to assist), what the options are for minimising the impact of the disease. Farmers should be made aware of the warning signs for the virus also. This could be carried out by arranging a meeting, headed by myself and my specialist team, at the Main Town hall for all farmers and farm workers, where a presentation will be given on BBTV. As stated above, there are ways of telling if a plant has been affected. This information should be released to the farmers, port authorities, government and pubilc.
 * What do they need to know?**

My team and I have taken the liberty to together a detailed dossier which includes information about BBTV and our recommendations for action against it. To distribute this efficiently I suggest using the pneumatic mailing system. This will allow us to reach all corners of the Island quickly. Warning posters for townships could be sent out this way also and the councillor could have them put on display in the towns. These posters could be placed on the underside of our hoverboards. As mentioned, I am willing to give a presentation (for a small fee) to the farmers and farm workers, or indeed anyone who would ilke to come along, Light refreshments will be provided, although there will certainly be NO bananas!
 * How will the warnings be communicated?**

European Bioinformatics Institute. (2011). Banana bunchy top virus. Retrieved August 20, 2011, from [].
 * References**

OzPolitic. (2011). Retrieved August 20, 2011 from, [].

Ferreira, S. A., Trujilo, E. E., & Ogata, D. Y. (1997). For CES On the Net: Banana bunchy top virus [Electronic version]. docstoc. Retrieved August 20, 2011, from [].