Sugarcane mosaic virus

Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), taxonomically identified as Poacevirus sacchari, is a significant viral pathogen within the family Potyviridae. This virus causes systemic infections in a wide range of economically important crops, leading to significant yield losses and reduced agricultural profitability worldwide.

The primary hosts for this virus are grasses within the Poaceae family. The most susceptible crops include sugarcane, maize, sorghum, and millet. Various wild grass species also serve as crucial alternative hosts, acting as reservoirs for the virus and facilitating its survival during the off-season, which complicates control measures.

Symptoms of SCMV infection are primarily characterized by a mosaic pattern on the leaves, featuring alternating light green, yellow, and dark green streaks or spots. Infected plants often exhibit stunted growth, reduced internode length, and poor vigor. In severe cases, the photosynthetic capacity is significantly impaired, leading to a substantial decrease in the yield and quality of the final crop.

The virus is primarily transmitted by aphids in a non-persistent, non-circulative manner, meaning that the insect can acquire and transmit the virus within seconds of feeding. Additionally, the virus can be spread mechanically through contaminated machinery or by utilizing infected vegetative parts for propagation, such as stem cuttings in sugarcane plantations.

Effective management of Poacevirus sacchari requires an integrated approach to plant protection:

• planting virus-free, certified nursery material;
• selecting and utilizing cultivars with known genetic resistance to the virus;
• applying systematic insecticide treatments to control aphid vector populations;
• implementing rigorous weed control programs to remove host reservoirs;
• observing strict sanitary practices during field operations to prevent mechanical transmission of the virus.