Review on Seed Transmitted Plant Viruses: Economical and Epidemiological Consequences

Plant virus diseases greatly influence man’s economy by reducing the yield and quality of plant products. About one-quarter of the known plant viruses are transmitted through the seed. Seed transmission of plant viruses is an important means for the introduction of plant viruses into new localities where they may become established, spread rapidly, and can cause epidemics in the presence of suitable vectors and host species. Viruses may persist in seed for long periods so that commercial distribution of a seed-borne virus over long distances may occur. The location of the virus in seed determines the transmissibility of viruses through seed. The virus is considered to be externally seed transmitted when it is outside the functional seed and internally seed transmitted when it is within the tissue of the seed. Seed infection by the virus is epidemiologically important for the reason that it is the primary source of inoculums and forms the starting point for the initiation of the disease. Avoidance of virus inoculum from infected seeds; chemical seed disinfection, implementing the cultural practices like field sanitation, rouging, and crop rotation can reduce the virus disease incidence. The role of quarantines, resistant cultivars, healthy seed production, and certification schemes for healthy seed production are also critical measures for seed transmitted virus management. Keywords: Inoculum source; Management; Plant virus; Seed transmission DOI: 10.7176/ALST/93-02 Publication date: April 30th 202