Ipomoea leaf curl virus

The causative agent of this disease is a virus belonging to the genus Begomovirus within the Geminiviridae family. These pathogens are characterized by a circular single-stranded DNA genome. The infection acts as a systemic disease that disrupts normal plant physiology, leading to profound developmental disorders in susceptible hosts.

The primary host for this virus is the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). However, the pathogen can also infect various species within the Convolvulaceae family, including wild morning glory relatives. These weeds act as persistent reservoirs, allowing the virus to survive and spread throughout the growing season.

Symptoms of the infection typically manifest as severe curling, twisting, and yellowing of the leaves. Infected plants often show a mosaic pattern on the foliage, stunted internodes, and significant overall growth reduction. In sweet potatoes, the virus can lead to poor tuber development, resulting in drastically reduced yields.

Transmission occurs through the whitefly vector, particularly Bemisia tabaci, which acquires the virus while feeding on infected plants. The virus is then transmitted in a persistent, circulative manner. High temperatures and the continuous presence of host plants create ideal conditions for the rapid spread of the disease within agricultural settings.

Effective management strategies focus on preventing the introduction and spread of the virus. Key measures include:

• Using certified virus-free planting material.
• Implementing strict weed control to remove potential reservoirs.
• Managing whitefly populations with integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
• Adhering to crop rotation and spatial isolation of susceptible fields.