Management of insect-transmitted viruses in organic vegetable production.

Srinivasan, Rajagopalbabu; Martini, Xavier; Pandey, Sudeep; Netla, Vamsidhar Reddy; Dutta, Bhabesh

Losses incurred by introduction of efficient vectors and phytoviruses into non-endemic areas and climate change are threatening food and nutritional security globally. Insect vectors transmit numerous viruses that affect high value vegetable crops. These viruses are diverse, and their transmission modes vary. Often, more than one virus is transmitted by the same vector, and many viruses can infect the same host. Even under conventional agriculture, it is challenging to reduce losses and maintain sustainability. The challenge becomes even more grave in organic production. However, it is critical to address this issue, as organic production is gaining traction for desirable reasons. Typically, organic farms are smaller and vulnerable to landscape effects. The threshold for vectors that transmit plant viruses is zero, it is impossible to achieve such stringent control, especially when super vectors such as thrips and whiteflies reach explosive populations. Nevertheless, significant progress could be achieved by integrating multiple management options. There is no 'silverbullet' option, but host resistance comes close to it. Host resistance governed by single dominant genes could be highly valuable. Unfortunately, that is often not the case and there are drawbacks. Partial resistance conferred by semi-dominant and multiple genes also is available. Cultivars with complete or partial resistance can be effectively integrated with cultural, biological (augmentative), and chemical management options. This review attempts to highlight the seriousness of insecttransmitted viruses in organic vegetable production, provide an update on management options and limitations, and discuss knowledge gaps and future research areas aimed at enhancing sustainability.

ORGANIC farming; PEST control; FARM management; DISEASE resistance of plants; PLANT viruses

Entomologia Generalis, 2024, Vol 44, Issue 6, p1393

0171-8177

Academic Journal

10.1127/entomologia/2024/2781