Jatropha yellow mosaic begomovirus

Begomovirus jatrophaindiaense is a pathogenic virus that belongs to the genus Begomovirus within the Geminiviridae family. It is a major viral agent that causes significant systemic infections in susceptible plant species. Like other begomoviruses, it possesses a circular single-stranded DNA genome and relies on insect vectors for its transmission between hosts.

The primary host for this pathogen is Jatropha curcas, a plant widely cultivated for its potential in biodiesel production. Infection often leads to reduced biomass, impaired flower development, and a substantial decrease in seed yield. Because of its impact on oil-producing plantations, the virus is considered a major biotic stressor in Jatropha cultivation.

The disease symptoms typically include severe yellow mosaic patterns, leaf curling, crinkling, and mosaic-like chlorosis. Infected plants exhibit stunted growth and reduced leaf size, which significantly decreases their photosynthetic efficiency. These symptoms become more pronounced under stress conditions, further weakening the plant's overall health.

The transmission of this virus occurs primarily via the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The insect acts as a persistent vector, acquiring the virus through sap feeding on infected tissues and subsequently transmitting it to healthy plants. Outbreaks are often correlated with the high population density of whiteflies, which is driven by favorable environmental factors like temperature and humidity.

Effective management strategies for controlling the virus include several essential practices:

• Implementing rigorous field sanitation by removing and destroying symptomatic plants;
• Managing whitefly populations using systematic insecticide applications;
• Utilizing virus-free seedlings and resistant cultivars for new plantations;
• Establishing buffer zones or spatial isolation to reduce the spread of the vector;
• Weed management to eliminate alternative host reservoirs for both the virus and its vector.