Ring spot virus in papaya
PAPAYA RING Spot Virus (PRSV) is a major infestation of papaya crop. All the stages of papaya crop are vulnerable to the virus infection. The early incidence will lead to heavy damage and complete loss of the economical yield.
Disease symptoms
Infected plants show tapering of stem with few small leaves showing bushy canopy and produce few flowers with malformed fruits. Infected fruits have low sugar content.
The virus spreads in the field by aphids (Myzus persicae). During the absence of main crop the virus survives in cucurbitaceous crops such as squash, cucumber, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, ash gourd, sponge gourd, watermelon, muskmelon and pumpkin, which help in further spread of the virus whenever papaya is planted.
Avoid intercropping
Intercropping of papaya with cucurbits is another practice by many of the farmers to get dual yield.
In reality such intercropped cucurbits will harbour the virus and enhances the quantum of innoculum, which will completely destroy the crop.
The virus was found transmitted by seeds. Hence management of the virus needs to be done from the seedling stage.
Virus management
— Seedlings for planting should be raised in insect proof nursery and after planting in the main field control of the vector is a prerequisite.
— Spraying of micronutrient like boron 1.5g/L at ground growth period of the plant should be carried out till flowering.
— Spraying of growth enhancers like action 100 or perfkt will help in healthy growth of the plant with minimum loss.
— Fields should be fertilized with organic manures, which will enhance the healthy growth of the plant.
— Avoid growing of cucurbits in the vicinity of papaya orchard.
— Avoid twining or intercropping of cucurbits with papaya.
Y. MALLIKARJUN
Hemavati Ranebennur
& A.S. Byadgi
Dept. of Plant Pathology
U.A.S. Dhawrad
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