Cassava mosaic disease

Cassava mosaic disease is caused by viruses including Ipomovirus manihotis. This is a severe viral infection that disrupts the plant's metabolic pathways, resulting in systemic physiological failure and significant reductions in root tuber development.

The primary host for this pathogen is cassava (Manihot esculenta). Due to its reliance on vegetative propagation, cassava crops are particularly susceptible to the accumulation and spread of viral infections over consecutive seasons.

Visual signs of infection include mosaic-like patterns on leaves, characterized by irregular chlorosis. Plants often exhibit stunted growth, leaf curling, and overall reduction in biomass, which drastically limits the plant's ability to produce starch-rich storage roots.

Transmission occurs through two main routes: the movement of infected plant cuttings used for propagation and the feeding activity of insect vectors, primarily whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). Environmental conditions that favor vector population growth significantly increase the disease incidence.

Management relies on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including the use of certified disease-free planting material and breeding for host plant resistance. Regular field scouting and the rogueing of symptomatic plants are essential to prevent secondary spread within plantations.