Maize mosaic virus

The causal agent of this disease is the Maize mosaic virus (MMV), classified within the Alphanucleorhabdovirus genus. This virus acts as an obligate plant parasite, causing systemic infection that disrupts essential metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and nutrient transport.

The disease primarily affects maize (Zea mays) and sorghum crops. It is widely recognized as a significant constraint to agricultural production in tropical and subtropical regions, where environmental conditions support the continuous survival of the virus in host plants.

Symptoms typically include chlorotic striping, mosaic patterns, and leaf discoloration. Infected plants often exhibit severe stunting, reduced growth vigor, and malformed ears, which directly leads to substantial yield losses and decreased grain quality for the affected harvests.

The virus is transmitted in a persistent, circulative manner by the corn planthopper Peregrinus maidis. Once a leafhopper acquires the virus through feeding, it remains infectious for the remainder of its life, effectively spreading the pathogen throughout the field during its lifecycle.

Effective control strategies focus on managing the vector population and reducing the virus inoculum source. Farmers are advised to implement integrated pest management, including the use of resistant hybrids, systematic weed control to remove reservoirs, and timely application of insecticides to suppress planthopper outbreaks.