Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) is a plant pathogenic virus belonging to the Bromoviridae family. It primarily affects cowpea plants (Vigna unguiculata), but can also infect other leguminous plants, including soybeans, peanuts, and beans. The virus is transmitted through seed transmission, mechanical means, and by aphid vectors.
CCMV causes chlorotic mottle symptoms, which are characterized by yellowing and discoloration of the leaves, mottling patterns, and stunted growth. Infected plants often exhibit reduced yields and poor quality of the produced fruits or seeds. The virus can also lead to necrotic spotting on the stems and pods, further damaging the plant.
The virus consists of a single-stranded RNA genome surrounded by a protein capsid. It has a tripartite genome, meaning it is composed of three segments of RNA. These segments encode for various viral proteins required for replication and movement within the plant.
Management of CCMV usually involves planting virus-free seeds, practicing strict sanitation measures, and using insecticides to control aphid populations. In some cases, resistance breeding programs have been successful in developing resistant cultivars that can withstand CCMV infections.
Understanding the biology and pathology of CCMV is crucial for the development of effective control strategies to mitigate its impact on agricultural production.
