Properties, Hostrange and control of cowpea mosaic virus

Abstract

Studies were conducted on the cowpea mosaic virus disease commonly occurring in cowpea plants (Viena unguiculata (L.) Walp in Kerala. The major symptoms caused by cowpea mosaic virus infection in cowpea plants wars vein banding, inter- voinai cnlorosis, mosaic mottling and general stunting of the plants. Transmission studies showed that the virus could he transmitted through mechanical means, grafting,through seeds and by means of aphid vectors. The virus was found to be transmitted by the aphids, Aphis eracclvora. Aphis gossypil and Aphis rnalvae. Among the three species of aphids, Aphis craecivora was found to be the most efficient vector. The percentages of transmission obtained by A . craecivora, A. gossypii and A. malvae were 90,65 and 43 respectively.