Chickpea luteovirus

Taxonomy and nature of the pathogen: Chickpea luteovirus (CpLV) is a member of the genus Polerovirus within the family Solemoviridae. It is an RNA virus that acts as a serious plant pathogen, specifically targeting leguminous plants. Unlike some other viruses, it is not seed-transmitted, making its ecology entirely dependent on insect vectors.

Diseases and host range: The virus is responsible for systemic yellowing and stunting diseases in chickpeas (Cicer arietinum). Infected plants show typical symptoms such as chlorosis, leaf rolling, and reduced size of leaflets. The infection significantly hampers the growth of the crop, leading to a general decline in plant vigor across the field.

Biology and life cycle: The virus has a persistent, circulative transmission cycle mediated by aphids, most notably Aphis craccivora. Once an aphid ingests the virus from the phloem of an infected plant, the pathogen moves through the insect's gut into the hemolymph and eventually to the salivary glands, allowing the aphid to inoculate healthy plants during subsequent feeding.

Development and impact: Disease outbreaks are closely linked to aphid population dynamics, which are often favored by specific environmental conditions such as mild temperatures and dry spells. The economic impact is substantial, as the virus stunts plant development and drastically reduces pod formation, leading to severe yield losses in terms of both quantity and quality.

Protection and control measures: Controlling Chickpea luteovirus requires a proactive management approach:

• Selection of resistant or tolerant chickpea cultivars.
• Effective weed management to remove alternative hosts that harbor the virus.
• Strategic application of insecticides to manage aphid vector populations during peak migration.
• Adjusting sowing dates to avoid synchronization with high aphid activity.
• Maintaining field hygiene and ensuring spatial isolation from other susceptible legume crops.