Cassava Mosaic Disease

Definition

Cassava Mosaic Disease is a viral infection that affects cassava plants, causing severe yield losses and quality deterioration. It is primarily caused by the Cassava Mosaic Virus (CMV), a member of the Geminiviridae family, which significantly impacts cassava cultivation, particularly in Africa where it is a staple food source.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cassava Mosaic Disease can lead to up to 80% yield losses in infected cassava crops, posing a significant threat to food security in regions reliant on cassava as a staple food.
2. The disease is transmitted primarily by whiteflies, which acquire the virus while feeding on infected plants and then spread it to healthy plants.
3. Symptoms of the disease include yellowing and mottling of leaves, stunted growth, and the formation of malformed roots, which can reduce both the quantity and quality of harvests.
4. Efforts to manage Cassava Mosaic Disease include breeding resistant cassava varieties and implementing integrated pest management strategies to control whitefly populations.
5. In addition to its economic impact, Cassava Mosaic Disease has also affected social structures in communities reliant on cassava cultivation, leading to increased poverty and food insecurity.

Review Questions

• How does Cassava Mosaic Disease affect cassava production and what are the implications for food security?
  • Cassava Mosaic Disease significantly impacts cassava production by causing severe yield losses, sometimes up to 80%. This loss poses serious implications for food security, especially in regions where cassava is a staple food source. As cassava serves as a critical carbohydrate source for millions of people, reduced production can lead to increased hunger and economic instability within those communities dependent on this crop.
• Discuss the role of whiteflies in the transmission of Cassava Mosaic Disease and its impact on disease management strategies.
  • Whiteflies play a crucial role in the transmission of Cassava Mosaic Disease as they act as vectors that acquire the virus from infected plants and then spread it to healthy ones. This biological relationship complicates disease management strategies because controlling whitefly populations is essential for reducing the incidence of the disease. Strategies such as integrated pest management that include monitoring whitefly populations, using insecticides judiciously, and promoting natural predators can be effective in managing both the vector and the disease.
• Evaluate the importance of developing resistant cassava varieties in combating Cassava Mosaic Disease and its broader implications for agricultural sustainability.
  • Developing resistant cassava varieties is critically important for combating Cassava Mosaic Disease as it provides a sustainable approach to managing the disease without relying solely on chemical controls. Resistant varieties can minimize yield losses and ensure consistent food production, contributing to long-term agricultural sustainability. This approach not only enhances food security but also supports local economies by allowing farmers to maintain their livelihoods despite the challenges posed by viral infections.

Related terms

Cassava: A tropical root vegetable also known as manioc or yuca, widely cultivated for its starchy tuberous roots, which are a major source of carbohydrates.

Geminiviridae: A family of plant viruses characterized by their unique twin-like genome structure, which includes single-stranded DNA and is known for causing diseases in various crops.

Vector Transmission: The process by which certain organisms, often insects like whiteflies, spread viruses from infected to healthy plants, playing a crucial role in the epidemiology of viral diseases.