Paspalum striate mosaic virus

Paspalum striate mosaic virus (PSMV), classified under the genus Mastrevirus, is a significant viral pathogen that primarily infects grasses within the family Poaceae. The virus particles contain a single-stranded circular DNA genome, which is responsible for the systemic nature of the infection within the plant vascular system.

The host range of this pathogen includes various species of the Paspalum genus, as well as several essential cereal crops. By interfering with the host's normal physiology, the virus causes major disruptions in growth and development, ultimately reducing the overall dry matter accumulation and grain yield potential in affected fields.

The characteristic symptoms of this disease include the formation of conspicuous chlorotic stripes that follow the longitudinal leaf venation. As the viral infection progresses, farmers may observe significant stunting, reduced tiller production, and malformed floral structures, which often lead to increased sterility and lower quality of the harvested grain.

Transmission of the virus is strictly mediated by insect vectors, specifically leafhoppers. These insects acquire the virus by feeding on infected plants and subsequently inoculate healthy hosts during their feeding process. The prevalence and movement of these vectors are strongly correlated with environmental conditions, particularly high temperatures and localized humidity levels which favour vector reproduction.

Effective management strategy against Mastrevirus paspali relies heavily on integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Key tactics include the strategic application of insecticides to control vector populations, the eradication of wild grass hosts in the vicinity of cultivated fields, and the selection of cultivars with demonstrated field resistance or tolerance to the virus infection.