Jacquemontia mosaic

Jacquemontia mosaic is a viral condition caused by Begomovirus jacquemontiamusivi. This virus is a member of the Geminiviridae family, a group of plant-infecting viruses characterized by twinned, quasi-isometric particles containing single-stranded DNA genomes. The virus interferes with the host's normal genetic processes, leading to systemic infection that spreads throughout the vascular tissue.

The primary host range for this pathogen includes members of the Jacquemontia genus, belonging to the family Convolvulaceae. While the virus is primarily observed in these decorative or wild plants, researchers emphasize that the potential for cross-transmission to economically important crops, such as sweet potatoes and other convolvulus species, poses a significant agricultural risk.

Symptoms of the disease are indicative of viral infection and vary depending on the plant age and environmental conditions. The most common signs include:

• Mottled or mosaic-like patterns on leaves consisting of yellow or light-green patches.
• Leaf distortion, including curling and crinkling of foliage.
• Stunted development of the entire plant or specific branches.
• Reduction in the overall size and vigor of the plant during the growing season.

The transmission mechanism of Begomovirus jacquemontiamusivi is vector-borne. The virus is acquired and transmitted by whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), most notably the Bemisia tabaci complex. Because these insects are highly mobile and have a wide host range, they can efficiently spread the virus from wild reservoirs to cultivated plots, especially during warm weather conditions that favor whitefly reproduction.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is the most effective approach for controlling this viral disease. Since direct chemical treatment against the virus does not exist, efforts must focus on preventing the spread. This includes rigorous control of whitefly populations through appropriate insecticide application, eliminating weed reservoirs of the virus, implementing crop rotation, and ensuring the use of virus-free nursery stock to prevent the introduction of the pathogen into new areas.