Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus in Okra: Symptoms and Prevention

Okra also known as bhindi or lady’s finger, is a popular vegetable that is widely grown and consumed in southeast countries. Yellow vein mosaic or vein-clearing is the most devasting viral disease in okra. If the crop is affected by the virus at early stages, up to 80% of crop loss can be expected.

The damage is caused by the begomovirus, which is transmitted through whiteflies. The viruses do not replicate in their vector but are moved readily from plant to plant by the adult whitefly by various means. The second most important transmitter is okra leafhopper. Learn the symptoms and preventions of yellow vein mosaic virus.

Symptoms

The virus can infect plants at any growth stage. Yellowing of veins and veinlets of the leaves. Later, interveinal regions of the leaves turn yellow or white. The leaves of the infected plant may show mosaic patterns of yellow and green. In case of severe infection, affected young leaves show complete chlorosis.

The infected plants may show stunted growth and reduced size. The leaves may be smaller in size and may show distortion or curling. Affected plants may produce fewer flowers and fruits, and the fruits may be deformed, smaller in size, harder and yellow green in color.

Prevention

There are no known treatments for yellow vein mosaic virus, once a plant is infected. A combination of preventive measures and control strategies can be effective in managing the disease and minimize crop loss. Avoid growing susceptible varieties during summer, since whitefly activity is high during the season.

Remove and destroy the disease affected plants from the field to avoid secondary spread. Keep the field clean and free from weeds. Control the population of whiteflies and prevent the spread of the virus. Introduce natural predators of whiteflies, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to control their populations.

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