Plant virus diseases and their management in Bangladesh

Plant virus diseases are significant constraints in agricultural production in Bangladesh. The hot and humid environmental conditions are highly favourable for the perpetuation of the viruses as well as vectors round the year. Although, the virus diseases are recorded in many crops, vegetables and pulses are most seriously affected. Several viruses belonging to the genera Begomovirus, Cucumovirus, Potyvirus and Tospovirus have been recorded during the last decade. Whitefly and thrips-transmitted viruses have emerged as major constraints in the horticultural crops. Management of viral diseases largely depends on the control of insect vectors by widespread application of insecticides. The epidemics of leaf curl, yellow vein, yellow mosaic and bud necrosis diseases were witnessed in the recent past. However, the knowledge of identity and diversity of viruses occurring in Bangladesh are largely lacking. This review provides the first comprehensive account of viral disease problems in the cultivation of several important crops and their management in Bangladesh.