Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV): a threat to green gram (Vigna radiata) production in Asia

Abstract

Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) disease is one of the most vicious diseases of green gram and has been renowned in India for more than five decades. It is caused by a group of geminiviruses belonging to the genus, begomovirus of the family, Geminiviridae. They are transmitted through whitefly in a persistent manner. The economic losses due to this virus account up to 85% in green gram which is spreading faster towards newer areas. The escalating economic importance of MYMV has resulted in the call for accurate detection and identification procedures that inspire rigorous research efforts focussing on the biology, diversity and epidemiology of the virus, so that viable management strategies could be designed. Breeding for resistance or tolerance appears to be the best approach to control this disease. However, the commercially offered genotypes are only partially resistant. Therefore, the hunt for newer sources of disease resistance needs to be intensified. This review updates all the accessible information on MYMV and outlines the areas in which advance research is indispensable.