Sorghum golden mosaic virus

The causative agent of this disease is the Sorghum golden mosaic virus (Aureusvirus sorghi), a member of the Aureusvirus genus. It is a viral pathogen primarily affecting cereal crops, capable of causing significant economic losses in agricultural production if phytosanitary measures are neglected.

The primary host for this virus is grain and forage sorghum. The pathogen exhibits high specificity for members of the Poaceae family, though it can occasionally survive in alternative grass weed hosts, which serve as reservoirs for the virus during the off-season.

Symptoms of the infection manifest as a distinct mosaic pattern on the leaves. Chlorotic, golden-yellow spots or streaks appear on leaf blades, often leading to necrosis over time. Affected plants exhibit stunted growth, reduced vigor, and abnormal development of inflorescences, significantly impacting crop yield.

Virus transmission occurs through infected seeds, contaminated crop residues, and mechanical transmission via agricultural machinery. Insect vectors play a critical role in spreading the infection within fields, moving rapidly between healthy and diseased plants throughout the growing season.

The economic impact of the virus includes a substantial decrease in grain yield and forage quality. Effective management strategies involve the use of resistant crop varieties, the control of weed hosts, the implementation of proper crop rotation cycles, and regular sanitation of field equipment to limit spread.

• Utilizing certified and virus-free seed stock.
• Systematic control of perennial grass weeds.
• Maintaining proper spatial isolation between plantings.
• Implementation of field sanitation and equipment cleaning protocols.