Okra yellow vein mosaic virus

The okra yellow vein mosaic virus, primarily associated with Begomovirus abelsmoschusomanense, is a highly destructive plant pathogen belonging to the Geminiviridae family. It causes severe systemic infection, significantly disrupting the metabolic pathways of host plants and hindering normal physiological development.

The primary host for this viral pathogen is okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). Due to its high pathogenicity, the virus can also affect other members of the Malvaceae family. In tropical and subtropical zones, it remains one of the most limiting factors for successful vegetable production, causing substantial economic impact.

Symptoms are characterized by distinctive yellow vein clearing, which eventually progresses into a full yellow mosaic pattern on leaves. Infected plants show stunted growth, leaf deformation, and reduced foliage area. When the plant is infected early in its cycle, it produces few or no marketable fruits, and those that do develop are often pale and distorted.

The virus is transmitted in a persistent, circulative manner by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The insect acts as a vector, acquiring the virus from infected plants and inoculating healthy ones during feeding. Environmental conditions that favor the rapid reproduction of whitefly populations, such as high humidity and optimal warm temperatures, directly accelerate the spread of the virus.

Management strategies focus on vector control and the use of resistant cultivars. Farmers should implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices, including the removal of weed hosts, the use of yellow sticky traps for monitoring, and the application of systemic insecticides to suppress whitefly populations. Strict field sanitation and the use of healthy, virus-free seeds are essential for prevention.

• Implement physical barriers such as insect-proof nets.
• Remove and destroy symptomatic plants immediately.
• Rotate crops to break the cycle of the vector and pathogen.
• Maintain a weed-free environment around the cultivation area.