Causal Agent: 

Potyvirus (Papaya ringspot virus type P or PRSV-P)

 

 

Characteristic Symptoms:
 
Leaves of affected plants show yellow mosaic, blisters and distinct vein banding (lighter color between veins with tissues adjacent to veins remaining green or vice versa).
   
In severe cases, leaf narrowing and distortion may be observed.
   
Transmission and Spread:
 
Efficiently transmitted from infected plant to healthy plant by several aphid species such as Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii while feeding.
   
The virus is also easily transmitted mechanically through contaminated tools/implements.
   
There is no evidence of seed transmission.
   
Management and Control:
 
Use tolerant varieties, if available.
   
Remove infected plants as early as symptoms are observed to prevent/minimize spread.
   
Remove weeds that serve as alternate hosts.
   
Control/minimize aphid population by using plastic mulch, yellow sticky  traps and/or use of insecticides such as azadirachtin (neem), cartap hydrochloride (e.g.  PadanⓇ, Barena 50 SP, Gemtrak®), acetamiprid (e.g. MospilanⓇ), acephate (e.g. AcetamⓇ, CompeteⓇ), chlorphenapyr (e.g. Kotetsu) or penthoate (e.g. PennantⓇ, VidexⓇ).
   

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