Review of alomae disease of taro.

Abstract

The virus disease complex of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott.) known as “alomae” is thought to be caused by a dual infection of taro large bacilli form virus (TLBV) and taro small badlliform virus (TSBV). Alomae and a similar but less severe disease called “bobone” are restricted to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Symptoms of alomae disease include a feathery mosaic on the leaves, young leaves are often crinkled and fail to open normally, and the plants become stunted and eventually die. Alomae disease can result in total yield loss and bobone can cause 25% yield loss. Control of alomae and bobone is by roguing, by control of insect vectors, breeding for disease tolerant cultivars and virus elimination through plant tissue culture and dissemination of virus tested planting stock.