Jute yellow vein mosaic virus

Jute yellow vein mosaic virus (JYVMV), associated with Begomovirus corchori, is a significant viral pathogen that affects the yield and quality of jute production. It belongs to the Geminiviridae family, which is known for its circular single-stranded DNA genome and significant impact on tropical agricultural crops worldwide.

The primary hosts of this virus are Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius, commonly known as white jute and tossa jute. In addition to these species, the virus can persist in various weed species found in agricultural landscapes, serving as a reservoir that ensures the virus survives from one season to the next.

The characteristic symptoms include the appearance of yellow vein mosaic patterns on the leaves. As the infection progresses, the yellowing extends to the entire leaf blade, causing a reduction in photosynthetic activity. The plants often exhibit severe stunting, reduced fiber development, and lower biomass production, leading to major economic losses.

Transmission occurs primarily through the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, which acts as a vector by transmitting the virus during the feeding process. The virus circulates within the vector, and once a whitefly is infected, it can transmit the disease to healthy plants for its entire lifespan, especially under warm and humid environmental conditions.

Control strategies are focused on minimizing vector populations and removing disease sources. This includes the application of systemic insecticides to manage whitefly populations, field sanitation, and the use of resistant jute varieties. Crop rotation and maintaining a weed-free buffer zone are also critical components of a successful integrated pest management program.