Indian peanut clump

Indian peanut clump is a severe viral disease caused by the Indian peanut clump virus (IPCV). It is a soil-borne virus that belongs to the genus Pecluvirus and causes significant economic losses in various agricultural regions, particularly in Asia.

The virus has a wide host range, infecting both legumes and various other botanical families. Among the affected crops, sweet pepper is a notable host, where the virus can cause severe stunting, leaf distortion, and a drastic reduction in fruit yield.

The characteristic symptoms include extreme stunting of plants, shortened internodes, and a rosette-like appearance of the foliage. Infected plants often show mosaic patterns or chlorosis on the leaves, and their root systems are usually poorly developed, leading to nutrient deficiency.

The transmission of IPCV is facilitated by the soil-borne fungus Polymyxa graminis, which acts as a vector for the virus. The virus persists in the resting spores of the fungus within the soil, allowing it to survive for several years even in the absence of a host crop.

• Practice long-term crop rotation with non-host species.
• Use certified disease-free seeds and planting materials.
• Implement strict sanitation of farm equipment to prevent soil movement.
• Control alternative weed hosts in the field.
• Select resistant or tolerant cultivars when available.

Effective management requires an integrated approach because no direct cure exists for viral plant infections. Preventing the initial introduction of the fungus vector into non-infested fields remains the most critical strategy for sustainable crop protection.