Fig mosaic
Fig mosaic emaravirus
What is Fig mosaic disease (Fig mosaic emaravirus)?
Fig mosaic disease (FMD) is a complex disease that affects fig trees (Ficus carica). It is associated with 12 viruses, including fig mosaic emaravirus (FMV), and three viroids. Symptoms of FMD include foliar chlorosis, leaf deformation, and mosaic patterns. The disease can be transmitted through vegetative propagation, seed transmission, and by the eriophyid mite. This mite is tiny and challenging to observe without magnification.
How does Fig mosaic disease (Fig mosaic emaravirus) occur?
Fig mosaic disease (FMD) is reproduced and spread through various means, including vegetative propagation using infected plant material, seed transmission from infected seeds, and transmission by the eriophyid mite. Infected cuttings or grafts can transfer the disease while using infected seeds can result in diseased seedlings. The mites act as vectors, spreading FMD between fig trees as they feed.
Symptoms
1 - Tree Health and Vigor
FMD weakens the infected fig trees, leading to reduced growth and overall vigor. Weakened trees may have compromised root systems, affecting their ability to uptake water and nutrients from the soil.
3 - Economic and Biodiversity Implications
• FMD's impact on fig orchards, including reduced yield, poor fruit quality, and tree losses, can have economic implications for farmers and the agricultural industry. • FMD can disrupt ecological interactions by affecting fig trees, which serve as habitats and food sources for various organisms, potentially impacting biodiversity.
Solutions
1 - Preventions
1. Disease-Free Plant Material: Start with healthy fig trees for propagation to minimize the risk of introducing FMD. 2. Sanitation Practices: Remove and destroy infected plant material to prevent disease spread. 3. Quarantine Measures: Quarantine new fig plants to prevent introducing infected material.
2 - Treatment
1. Chemical Control: Consider the targeted use of insecticides or natural predators to suppress eriophyid mite populations and disease transmission. 2. Remove Infected Trees: Promptly eliminate infected trees to prevent disease spread. 3. Cultural Practices: Implement proper orchard management techniques to enhance tree vigor and reduce stress. 4. Seek Expert Advice: Consult with experts for tailored prevention and treatment strategies.
