Chickpea filiform virus

Chickpea filiform virus (CpFV) is a plant pathogenic virus belonging to the genus Fabavirus within the Secoviridae family. It is a significant concern for pulse crop producers, as it causes severe physiological disorders and structural malformations in chickpea plants during their growth cycle.

The primary symptom of this disease is the filiform appearance of leaves, where the leaflets become thin, elongated, and distorted. Infected plants also exhibit mosaic patterns, general yellowing (chlorosis), stunting, and a significant reduction in pod set, ultimately leading to yield losses that can exceed 80-90% in severe infection cases.

The biological cycle of CpFV is intricately linked to its insect vectors, primarily various aphid species such as Aphis craccivora. The virus is transmitted in a non-persistent manner, meaning aphids can acquire the pathogen after feeding on an infected plant for a very short period and immediately transmit it to a healthy plant.

Environmental factors play a crucial role in the development of epidemics. Higher temperatures and low humidity accelerate the life cycle of aphids, increasing their migration rate across fields. Weed hosts surrounding agricultural lands act as critical reservoirs where the virus survives throughout the winter months.

Effective management requires an integrated pest management strategy. Farmers should focus on reducing the population of vector insects through targeted insecticide applications, ensuring weed-free field margins to eliminate reservoirs, and selecting resistant or tolerant chickpea cultivars to mitigate potential damage during the growing season.