Peanut chlorotic streak

Peanut chlorotic streak is a viral disease caused by the Peanut chlorotic streak virus (PClSV), a member of the Caulimoviridae family. It is a persistent pathogen that significantly disrupts the physiological functions of host plants, leading to severe agricultural consequences.

The primary host for this disease is the cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea). In agricultural environments, the disease is primarily observed in regions where environmental conditions favor both the host plant and the biological vectors responsible for virus transmission.

Visible symptoms manifest as chlorotic spots, mosaic patterns, and distinctive chlorotic streaks along the leaf veins. Affected plants often display stunted growth, reduced leaf size, and overall chlorosis, which significantly impairs their ability to produce healthy, nutrient-rich kernels.

The disease is transmitted primarily by sap-sucking insects, most notably aphids, which acquire the virus from infected plants and introduce it into healthy ones during feeding. Mechanical transmission through field equipment or handling can also play a secondary role in the spread of the virus across the plantation.

The economic damage is severe, resulting in significant yield loss and economic instability for peanut producers. Integrated disease management strategies are essential:

• implementing regular scouting for aphid infestations;
• applying effective insecticides to manage vector populations;
• sourcing resistant or tolerant cultivars;
• enforcing strict sanitation protocols in the field to eliminate potential viral reservoirs.