Etiology and control of the following Okra diseases: Yellow Vein Mosaic of Bhindi

Yellow Vein Mosaic of Bhindi:-

Pathogen:- Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMA)

Vector:- It is transmitted by white flies (Bemisia tabaci) and the okra leaf hopper (Empoasca devastans).

Symptoms:-

> Yellowing of the entire network of veins in the leaf blade is the characteristic symptom.

> In severe infections the younger leaves turn yellow, become reduced in size and the plant is highly stunted.

> The veins of the leaves will be cleared by the virus and intervenal area becomes completely yellow or white.

> In a field, most of the plants may be diseased and the infection may start at any stage of plant growth.

> Infection restricts flowering and fruits, if formed, may be smaller and harder.

> The affected plants produce fruits with yellow or white colour and they are not fit for marketing.

Management:- 

> Cut a cactus like nawagalli (Euphorbia nivulia) or milk bush (E. tirucalli) into pieces, immerse in water (just enough for the pieces to float), allow to ferment for 15 days, filter and spray.

> Control the vector by spraying 5% neem seed kernel extract or ginger, garlic and chili extract.

> Destroy weeds and other wild hosts wherever possible.

> Remove the affected plants from the field and burn them.

> Avoid summer season planting.

> Plant resistant varieties like Parbhani Kranti, Arka Anamika, VRO-5, VRO-6 and Pusa A-4 (Co-2 is susceptible to YVM).