First Report and Molecular Characterization of Banana Streak OL Virus in Banana Germplasm in Bihar, India

This study reports, for the first time, the detection and molecular characterization of Banana streak virus (BSV) in local banana germplasm from Bihar, India. PCR‐based screening of nine banana cultivars revealed the presence of BSV in seven symptomatic varieties‐Alpan (AAB), Malbhog (AAB), Grand Nain (AAA), Chinia (AAB), Chini Champa (AAB), Muthia (ABB), and Battisa (ABB), whereas Kothia (ABB) and Dudhsagar (ABB) were virus‐free. Sequence analysis of the RT/RNase H gene showed 94%–100% nucleotide identity with global isolates of Banana streak Obinol’Ewai virus (BSOLV), confirming the first occurrence of BSOLV in Bihar and also in eastern Indian region. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the Bihar isolates clustered within the BSOLV clade while exhibiting notable genetic diversity. Recombination analysis identified a significant recombination event in the Grand Nain isolate, involving putative parental strains from Tanzania and Uganda. Collectively, these findings provide the first evidence of BSOLV occurrence and genetic diversity in Bihar, including its detection in six previously unreported local germplasm, and offer critical insights for disease management and the conservation of India's banana genetic resources.