What is yellow mosaic disease increasing troubles of soybean farmers in MP?

As the yellow mosaic virus continues to affect their crops, soybean farmers in Madhya Pradesh are facing more difficulties. Farmers in Neemuch, Mandsaur, Dhar, Khargone, and Dewas have seen their soybean crops turn yellow, with some developing red and brown spots. This raised concerns, as the disease could severely affect soybean production in the state.

Farmers expecting a good yield this year are worried that if yellow mosaic isn’t controlled soon, it may destroy entire crops, leading to massive losses.

In village Semliya, Ratlam, soybean leaves are turning yellow and drying, and 30 bigha of crop spoiled due to the yellow mosaic virus. Some farmers lost their entire crop. Now, they demand a survey and compensation from the administration.

What is Yellow Mosaic Virus?

Yellow mosaic disease (YMD) is a destructive plant disease affecting legume crops like mungbeans, black gram, and soybean. Whiteflies spread the virus that causes this disease, such as Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) and Black Gram Yellow Mosaic Virus (BGYMV).

Infected plants show yellow patches on young leaves that turn into a mosaic pattern. In severe cases, plant growth is stunted, and the leaves dry out. Infected soybean plants may produce smaller beans, impacting the yield’s quality and quantity.

Yellow mosaic spread linked to insects

Experts are concerned about yellow mosaic spreading in soybean crops. According to Dr. G.S. Kulmi, Head and Senior Scientist at Khargone Krishi Vigyan Kendra, whiteflies and other insects spread the virus. Dr. Kulmi warned, "Infected leaves turn yellow and growth halts. If untreated, the disease can cause the beans to shrink and the crop to fail," Dr. Kulmi warned. Early detection is key to managing the disease, but once it spreads, controlling it becomes difficult.

Dr. Kulmi noted that recent heavy rains could worsen waterlogging in fields. Excess water prevents drainage, weakening plants and making them susceptible to yellow mosaic. Farmers are urged to ensure good water drainage to protect their crops.

Farmers are already feeling the impact. Jagdish Verma, a farmer from Sehore district, said, "I sowed soybean on time, and the crop was healthy. But now, due to yellow mosaic, my entire crop is weakening. If this continues, I'll suffer huge losses."

Other farmers in affected districts share this sentiment. Many had to destroy infected crops to prevent the disease from spreading to healthier plants.

Prevention and control measures

According to the Agromet Advisory for Madhya Pradesh, Farmers are advised to ensure proper drainage in their fields to avoid waterlogging from heavy rains. During the pod-filling stage, they should control pod borers, particularly Heliothis armigera, by applying Indoxacarb 15.80% EC (333 ml/ha).

Farmers should place 15-20/ha poison baits of Flocoumafen 0.005% Block Bait (Strom) near rat holes to prevent yield losses from rats feeding on tender grains.

Experts advise steps to control the yellow mosaic virus spread. Farmers are encouraged to:

1. Early Detection and Spraying: When yellowing appears, spraying 1 ml of sulphuric acid and 0.5% phasor sulphate in 1 liter of water can help manage the disease.

2. Uproot Infected Plants: To prevent further spread, farmers should uproot and destroy infected plants.

3. Neem Oil Spray: Farmers can use Neem oil as an organic option to reduce the pest population.

4. Use Sticky Traps: Yellow sticky traps in fields can effectively capture whiteflies and control their spread.

Weather drives spread of yellow mosaic disease

Yellow mosaic spread is linked to weather. Warm, humid climates are ideal for whiteflies. Heavy rains causing waterlogging weaken crops, making them more susceptible to the virus. Excess moisture and pest infestation lead to rapid disease spread.

Weather conditions are critical in triggering Yellow Mosaic Disease (YMD) in soybean crops. The optimal conditions for the disease are high temperatures, particularly 26–35 °C, increased sunshine hours, and a significant whitefly population. Studies indicate that maximum temperature and relative humidity correlate positively with YMD incidence, emphasizing the importance of monitoring these factors. Conversely, rainfall can negatively influence the whitefly population, a key virus vector, potentially reducing the disease spread.