Chunyang Zhan

Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Pathogens, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0012
Received: 09 Mar., 2024    Accepted: 26 Apr., 2024    Published: 18 May, 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Zhan C.Y., 2024, The role of viruses in sugarcane yield reduction: a case study on Sugarcane yellow leaf virus, Molecular Pathogens, 15(3): 119-128 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0012)

This study systematically explores the role of viruses, particularly Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV), in sugarcane yield reduction. Key findings reveal that SCYLV significantly impacts the physiological functions of sugarcane, leading to decreased photosynthetic efficiency, impaired nutrient uptake and transport, and stunted growth. SCYLV infection not only directly damages plant tissues but also predisposes sugarcane to secondary infections and environmental stresses, further exacerbating yield losses. The prevalence of SCYLV has led to significant yield reductions and varietal degeneration in various regions, including Florida, Réunion Island, and India. To mitigate the impact of SCYLV on sugarcane production, several management strategies have been employed, including the use of virus-free seed cane, breeding for resistant varieties, and employing chemical and biological control methods. These strategies have shown positive results under different conditions and in various regions. Future research should focus on advancing the understanding of the mechanisms of SCYLV resistance, further exploring the application of RNA interference technology and multi-target resistant transgenic lines, and improving early detection and diagnostic tools to enhance disease management. This study aims to advance the understanding of SCYLV resistance mechanisms and improve management strategies to reduce the impact of SCYLV on sugarcane yield and promote sustainable sugarcane production.

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.); Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV); Yield; Virus management; Resistance breeding