Cassava mosaic virus

Cassava mosaic virus (Nepovirus manihotis) is a destructive plant disease caused by a virus belonging to the Nepovirus genus. As a systemic pathogen, it infects the host plant's vascular tissues, significantly disrupting nutrient transport and physiological activities throughout the life cycle of the cassava plant.

This virus specifically targets cassava (Manihot esculenta), a vital crop in tropical agriculture. Due to the reliance of many communities on this crop, the presence of Nepovirus manihotis poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity and regional food security.

Symptoms of the disease are characterized by distinct leaf mosaic patterns, yellowing (chlorosis), crinkling, and stunted development of the foliage. These physiological changes limit the plant's ability to photosynthesize, resulting in poor growth and a severe reduction in the yield of edible root tubers.

The transmission of the virus primarily occurs through the use of infected cuttings for vegetative propagation. Additionally, the disease can be spread mechanically via contaminated farming tools or by soil-borne nematodes, which act as vectors for viruses within the Nepovirus group, facilitating its movement between plants.

The economic impact of this virus is substantial, leading to massive yield losses in cassava fields. Mitigation efforts must focus on integrated disease management, including the rigorous selection of virus-free planting stock, the implementation of phytosanitary protocols, and the active management of soil nematode populations to disrupt the transmission cycle.

• Use of certified virus-free cassava cuttings
• Prompt roguing and destruction of infected plants
• Disinfection of agricultural tools between plots
• Management of soil nematode populations
• Regular field scouting for early symptom detection