Northern cereal mosaic cytorhabdovirus

Northern cereal mosaic cytorhabdovirus (NCMV) is a plant pathogenic virus belonging to the genus Cytorhabdovirus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. This virus is known to infect various cereal crops, leading to the disease known as Northern cereal mosaic. The disease primarily affects wheat, barley, and rice, causing significant yield losses and economic impact in affected regions.

Overview

Northern cereal mosaic cytorhabdovirus is transmitted by the small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus, a common pest in cereal crops. The virus is spread as the planthoppers feed on the sap of infected plants, transferring the virus to healthy plants. Once infected, plants exhibit symptoms such as mosaic patterns on the leaves, stunted growth, and in severe cases, death of the plant.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Northern cereal mosaic include:

• Mosaic or mottling patterns on leaves
• Yellowing of leaves
• Stunted growth
• Reduced tillering in cereals
• Premature death in severe infections

Transmission

NCMV is primarily transmitted by Laodelphax striatellus in a persistent manner. The planthopper acquires the virus by feeding on an infected plant and can transmit it throughout its life. The virus can also be transmitted from generation to generation of planthoppers through their eggs.

Management

Management of Northern cereal mosaic cytorhabdovirus involves integrated pest management (IPM) strategies focusing on controlling the vector population and preventing the spread of the virus. Strategies include:

• Monitoring planthopper populations and applying insecticides when necessary
• Planting virus-resistant cereal varieties
• Removing and destroying infected plants to reduce virus sources
• Practicing crop rotation to disrupt the life cycle of the vector

Economic Impact

The economic impact of NCMV is significant in areas where cereal crops are a major agricultural product. Yield losses due to infection can be substantial, affecting both local and export markets. The cost of managing the disease, through vector control and other measures, also contributes to the economic burden.

Research

Ongoing research on Northern cereal mosaic cytorhabdovirus focuses on understanding the virus's biology, developing resistant cereal crop varieties, and improving management practices to reduce its impact. Advances in molecular biology and genetics offer promising avenues for controlling this virus and mitigating its effects on cereal production.