Okra yellow mosaic Bhubaneswar virus

Okra yellow mosaic Bhubaneswar virus (Begomovirus abelmoschusbhubhaneswarense) is a serious viral disease affecting crops in the Malvaceae family. As a member of the Geminiviridae family, this pathogen utilizes the plant's replication machinery to multiply, leading to severe physiological disruptions that impact agricultural yield.

The primary host for this virus is okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a vegetable of high economic importance in tropical and subtropical regions. The virus is capable of causing systemic infection, which means that once established, the pathogen spreads throughout the entire plant system, affecting leaves, stems, and fruits.

The diagnostic symptoms of this disease are primarily foliar, characterized by the development of bright yellow mosaic patterns. These chlorotic areas can range from small spots to large patches, ultimately resulting in leaf curling and reduced photosynthesis. Stunted growth is common among severely infected seedlings.

• Chlorotic mosaic on leaves
• Leaf distortion and curling
• Stunted plant height
• Reduced fruit set
• Deformed and discolored pods

Transmission of the Okra yellow mosaic Bhubaneswar virus is strictly mediated by the whitefly species Bemisia tabaci. This insect acquires the virus during feeding and introduces it into the phloem of healthy plants. Once an insect is viruliferous, it can continue to spread the infection for the duration of its lifespan.

Management of this viral disease is primarily focused on the control of the insect vector. Farmers should implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which include the use of insect-proof nets, application of selective insecticides to manage whitefly populations, and the prompt removal of infected plants to minimize secondary spread.