Current status of research on Rice yellow mottle Sobemovirus

Abstract

Rice yellow mottle genus Sobemovirus is an important disease of rice worldwide. Although the virus attacks both upland and lowland rice cultivars, the latter are worse infected. The disease is spread by insect vectors belonging to the families Chrysomelidae, Coccinelidae, and Tettigonidae. It is also transmitted by domestic cattle (Bos spp.), donkeys (Asinus spp.), grass rats (Arvicanthis niloticus), weed species of the family Poaceae, debris, irrigation water and through mechanical inoculation. Six strains of the virus have been reported so far. Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) incidence ranges between 5 and 100% and yield losses vary from 20 to 100%. Effective management includes the use of resistant cultivars, control of insect vectors, good sanitation and integrated pest and production management. This paper reviews the current status of the virus, with emphasis on its geographical distribution, characteristics, strains, symptomatology, diagnosis, transmission, host range and management strategies.