FACTSHEETS FOR FARMERS
www.plantwise.org
Created in
India
,
November
2012
Bhendi Vein Clearing Virus
Recognize the problem
This is a viral disease occurring on bhendi (Okra/Lady
’
s Finger). Yellowing of
the entire network of veins in the leaf blade is the characteristic symptom. In
severe infections, the younger leaves turn yellow to become entirely chlorotic
and the plant is highly stunted. The veins of the leaves will be cleared by the
virus and interveinal area becomes completely yellow or white. The veins
become considerably thickened. 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.
Background
Bhendi vein clearing virus is a serious disease of Bhendi and causes huge
economic loss. The virus is spread by an insect called a whitefly (
Bemisia
tabaci
) that sucks the cell sap from the underside of the leaves. The infection
may start at any stage of plant growth
Management
•
Grow resistant varieties like Parbhani Kranti, Arka Abhay, Arka Anamika
and Varsha Uphar to minimise the incidence of the disease
•
Maintain proper crop spacing
•
Raise maize as a border crop to trap the insect thus preventing damage
to main field and avoid transmittance of the disease
•
During the summer season, when the whitefly activity is high, avoid
growing susceptible varieties
•
Set up yellow sticky traps @12/acre above the plant height to minimize
the pest incidence
•
Synthetic Pyrethroids should not be used because they will aggravate the
situation
•
When the infestation is 5-10 nymphs or adults per leaf before 9 A.M.
then go for chemical control:
◦
Spray acephate 75% SP @ 3 gm/ lit of water.
◦
Apply chlorpyrifos 20% EC @ 2.5 ml + Neem oil @ 2 ml/ litre of
water
Scientific name(s)
>
Pathogen: Bhendi Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus, Insect vector:
Bemisia tabaci
The recommendations in this factsheet are relevant to
:
India
Authors
:
S. Malarvannan, Vijay S Thokre
MSSRF
tel:
09444205262
email:
malar@mssrf.res.in
Edited by
Plantwise
Plantwise is a global initiative led by CABI
IN015En
Lose Less, Feed More
White flies (above) Disease
symptoms (below).
(Photo by
TNAU)
Sticky trap to attract white flies.
(Photo by TNAU)
When using a pesticide, always wear protective clothing and follow the instructions on the product label, such
as dosage, timing of application, and pre-harvest interval.
