Sweet potato leaf curl virus

Sweet potato leaf curl virus (Mastrevirus ipomoeae) is a viral pathogen belonging to the Mastrevirus genus. It poses a significant threat to sweet potato production worldwide, as it affects the plant's systemic development, leading to significant physiological stress and reduced photosynthetic efficiency in the host plant.

The primary host for this virus is the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The disease is particularly problematic in tropical and subtropical regions where the environmental conditions favor the continuous presence of vector populations, ensuring the pathogen persists throughout the entire growing season.

Symptoms of the infection typically manifest as inward leaf curling, interveinal chlorosis, and stunting of the plant's overall growth. These signs become particularly noticeable during the active vegetative stage, leading to a significant decrease in tuber yield and quality, as the plant cannot produce sufficient carbohydrates for storage.

Transmission occurs through insect vectors, specifically leafhoppers, which acquire the virus while feeding on infected plant tissues and subsequently transmit it to healthy plants. Another major route of viral spread is the dissemination of infected cuttings used for clonal propagation, which introduces the pathogen into new, previously disease-free agricultural zones.

Management strategies are centered on prevention and sanitation. Growers should prioritize the use of certified virus-indexed planting material and implement strict control measures against insect vectors using appropriate insecticides. Furthermore, field sanitation, including the prompt removal and destruction of symptomatic plants, is crucial to minimize the spread within the field and ensure a successful harvest.