Sweet potato crinivirus

Sweet potato crinivirus (Crinivirus ipomeae) is a significant viral pathogen affecting sweet potato crops globally. It belongs to the Crinivirus genus within the Closteroviridae family, known for its complex, thread-like viral particles that primarily colonize the phloem tissues of the host plant, causing severe physiological disturbances.

The host range of Crinivirus ipomeae is primarily confined to the Convolvulaceae family. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is the most economically significant host, although various wild morning glory species can serve as symptomless reservoirs, harboring the virus throughout the year and allowing it to persist in the environment despite crop rotation cycles.

Symptoms of the disease are characterized by interveinal chlorosis, which often starts on older leaves and spreads upward. As the infection progresses, leaves may exhibit curling, thickening, or brittleness. The virus causes a severe reduction in plant vigor, leading to stunted overall growth, significantly lower tuber yield, and reduced tuber quality, rendering the crop unmarketable.

Transmission occurs through whitefly vectors (family Aleyrodidae), which transmit the virus in a semi-persistent manner. The insects acquire the virus during feeding on infected plant tissues and can then transmit it to healthy plants. Environmental conditions such as high temperatures and humidity increase whitefly activity, creating favorable scenarios for rapid viral dissemination across large agricultural fields.

Management of the virus relies on an integrated approach to mitigate vector impact and viral spread:

• Utilization of certified, virus-indexed tissue-cultured planting material.
• Implementation of stringent whitefly management programs using targeted insecticides.
• Effective weed control, particularly of wild Ipomoea species in and around growing areas.
• Early detection and removal of symptomatic plants to reduce the local inoculum source.
• Use of physical barriers or sticky traps to monitor and limit vector pressure in early stages.