Beet Necrotic Yellow Vein Virus

Beet Necrotic Yellow Vein Virus (BNYVV) is a virus that primarily affects sugar beets, causing a disease known as rhizomania. This virus is a member of the Benyvirus genus and is transmitted by the soil-borne fungus Polymyxa betae.

Overview[edit | edit source]

BNYVV is a rod-shaped virus with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome. The virus is named for the symptoms it causes in infected plants, which include yellowing and necrosis of the veins, leading to a reduction in sugar content and yield.

Transmission[edit | edit source]

The virus is transmitted by the soil-borne fungus Polymyxa betae, which infects the roots of the beet plant. The virus particles are then able to enter the plant through the wounds caused by the fungus. Once inside the plant, the virus replicates and spreads throughout the plant, causing the characteristic symptoms of rhizomania.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Infected plants show a range of symptoms, including yellowing and necrosis of the veins, stunted growth, and reduced sugar content. In severe cases, the disease can lead to the death of the plant. The severity of the disease is influenced by factors such as the strain of the virus, the susceptibility of the plant, and environmental conditions.

Management[edit | edit source]

Management of BNYVV involves a combination of strategies, including the use of resistant varieties, crop rotation, and soil sanitation. However, the virus is difficult to control due to its persistence in the soil and the lack of effective chemical treatments.