Bhendi
Yellow Vein Mosaic
Begomovirus
Viral Disease
Begomovirus
Viral Disease
Begomovirus
Viral Disease
Yellow vein mosaic, caused by a virus and transmitted by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), is a major disease affecting okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). It can infect okra at all growth stages, severely hampering plant development and yield. Here's a brief overview of its symptoms, transmission, and management strategies.
Symptoms
- Initial Signs:
- Yellow veins forming a distinct interwoven network surrounding green tissue.
- Leaves initially show yellow veins while remaining green.
- Advanced Symptoms:
- Entire leaves turn yellow or cream-colored, with no traces of green.
- Enations (raised structures) appear on the underside of leaves in severe cases.
- Growth and Fruit Impact:
- Plants infected early become stunted.
- Fruits are pale yellow, deformed, small, and tough.
Cause and Transmission
- Vector: The disease is transmitted by the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci).
- Stage of Infection: The disease can affect the crop at any stage, leading to significant yield losses.
Management Strategies
- Cultural Practices:
- Plant banana as a barrier crop 1–2 months before okra planting to reduce whitefly infestation.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
- Monitor and control whitefly populations using insecticides, traps, or biological control agents.
- Resistant Varieties: Opt for virus-resistant okra cultivars to mitigate infection risks.
- Hygiene:
- Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent disease spread.
- Maintain field cleanliness to discourage whitefly breeding.
Key Takeaway: Early detection and an integrated approach combining cultural practices and pest control measures are critical to managing yellow vein mosaic and minimizing losses in okra cultivation.
