Ipomoea golden mosaic virus

Pathogen and disease type. Begomovirus ipomoeasaopauloense is a plant-pathogenic virus within the genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae. It causes a viral disease characterized by systemic infection, which disrupts the physiological processes of the host plant, primarily affecting the vascular system and chloroplast development.

Susceptible crops. The primary host for this virus is the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Although the virus was first characterized in São Paulo, Brazil, it poses a significant threat to sweet potato production in regions where similar environmental conditions and vector populations exist.

Symptoms of infection. Infected plants exhibit diagnostic golden-yellow mosaic patterns on the leaves, accompanied by chlorosis and crinkling. The foliage often becomes distorted, and infected plants display reduced vigor and stunted growth. The impact on root development is severe, leading to significantly lower yields and reduced tuber quality.

Development and spread. The virus is transmitted in a persistent, circulative manner by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The insect acquires the virus while feeding on infected plant tissues and subsequently spreads it to healthy plants. Warm temperatures and high humidity facilitate both the rapid reproduction of the vector and the development of the virus within the plant.

Prevention and control measures. Because viral diseases cannot be cured once established, management focuses on prevention:

• Sourcing and planting only virus-free, tissue-cultured plantlets.
• Implementing rigorous whitefly population management through integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
• Removing and destroying infected plants promptly to reduce inoculum levels in the field.
• Maintaining field hygiene by eliminating wild Convolvulaceae hosts that act as viral reservoirs.