Sugarcane streak mastrevirus

Mastrevirus saccharofficinari is a plant-pathogenic virus causing severe streak disease in sugarcane. As a member of the Mastrevirus genus, it possesses a single-stranded DNA genome and relies on insect vectors for efficient transmission. The disease is known to significantly impact agricultural yields in tropical regions where sugarcane is a staple crop.

The primary hosts for this pathogen are plants within the Saccharum genus. The virus can infect both commercial sugarcane varieties and wild related grass species. Due to the perennial nature of sugarcane cultivation, the virus often persists in ratoon crops, allowing it to survive from one harvest season to the next, posing a continuous threat to productivity.

Symptoms are identified by the appearance of broken or continuous chlorotic streaks on the leaf blades, running parallel to the veins. As the infection progresses, these streaks may spread across the entire leaf, leading to stunting of the stalks and reduced leaf area for photosynthesis. Consequently, the affected plants exhibit diminished vigor and decreased sugar content at harvest time.

Development and spread of the virus are heavily dependent on the presence of leafhopper vectors, which transmit the virus while feeding on plant sap. Warm and humid environmental conditions act as catalysts for the rapid reproduction of these vectors, leading to localized outbreaks. Furthermore, the practice of planting infected stem cuttings ensures that the virus is systematically distributed across new fields.

To mitigate the impact of the disease, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are essential. Farmers should prioritize the use of disease-free, tissue-cultured plant material. Controlling vector populations through localized insecticide application and maintaining strict field hygiene by removing symptomatic plants and alternative weed hosts are critical steps. Constant surveillance and adherence to quarantine protocols remain the most effective tools to prevent further viral spread.