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Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) management

Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is a non-persistently aphid-transmitted potyvirus and the principal viral disease of papaya in India and worldwide. Under favourable conditions, PRSV can devastate commercial papaya orchards within 5-7 months of planting. ICAR-IIHR has carried out vector identification and transmission-efficiency studies that form the basis of integrated management.

Identification and symptoms

Infected plants show characteristic vein clearing, leaf mosaic with shoestring narrowing, and water-soaked oily streaks on petioles and upper stems. Fruits develop concentric ring-spot patterns from which the disease takes its name; severely infected plants produce small, deformed, unmarketable fruit.

Host crops and life cycle

The virus infects papaya (Papaya Taiwan Red Lady) and several cucurbits, with serological strains differing between hosts. Transmission is by aphids in a non-persistent manner, with virus acquisition and inoculation occurring during brief probing rather than sustained feeding. ICAR-IIHR studies (2003-2006) identified Aphis gossypii as the dominant vector in south India, accounting for around 64% of catches, with A. gossypii and Myzus persicae transmitting PRSV at 53% and 56% efficiency respectively.

Damage and economic impact

Commercial papaya plantings without virus management often fail in 5-7 months. Even tolerant varieties such as Taiwan Red Lady (Papaya Taiwan Red Lady) experience yield losses, although they remain productive for longer in moderate-pressure environments.

Management

ICAR-IIHR recommends an integrated package; chemical control of aphids alone is rarely effective because of the non-persistent transmission mechanism.

  • Virus-free planting material: hot-water treated, indexed seedlings.
  • Cultural: well-timed planting (avoid peak aphid flights); border crops such as maize or sorghum to filter incoming aphids; weed control to remove alternate hosts; isolation from older infected papaya blocks and cucurbits.
  • Roguing: prompt removal and destruction of symptomatic plants.
  • Tolerance: deployment of tolerant hybrids such as Taiwan Red Lady.
  • Vector management: yellow sticky traps, reflective mulches and need-based insecticide sprays integrated with conservation of natural enemies.

See also: Papaya Taiwan Red Lady, Papaya Stem Rot Planting Depth.

References

  1. Aphid vectors of PRSV. International Society for Horticultural Science (ICAR-IIHR study).
  2. Transmission efficiency of PRSV by aphids. APS Phytopathology.