Symptomatology of Soybean Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV) in the Marathwada Region of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an important oilseed crop cultivated widely across tropical and subtropical regions, valued for its high protein (40–42%) and oil content (18–20%). Soybean productivity in India, particularly in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, is severely affected by Yellow Mosaic Virus Disease (YMVD), caused by Soybean Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV), a begomovirus transmitted efficiently by the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). The disease leads to foliar yellowing, mosaic patterns, chlorosis, puckering, shortened internodes, malformed pods, and significant yield reduction. Accurate documentation of symptom development is essential for early detection, field diagnosis, and the implementation of effective management strategies. A study on YMV symptomatology was conducted during Kharif 2023–24 and 2024–25 at the Department of Plant Pathology, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani. Soybean plants of cv. MAUS-612 were grown in sterilized soil and inoculated at the 2–3 leaf stage using viruliferous whiteflies maintained in screen-house rearing cages. Inoculated plants were observed periodically, and symptoms were recorded with respect to colour, distribution, pattern, and severity throughout the crop growth cycle. Initial infection appeared during the 24th Standard Meteorological Week as scattered bright yellow specks and diffused green–yellow mottling on young trifoliate leaves. Disease progression resulted in extensive yellow mosaic, chlorosis, leaf puckering, curling, blistering, and reduction in lamina size. Advanced infection stages showed stunting, shortened internodes, premature leaf drop, flower abortion, malformed pods, and shriveled or mottled seeds. Severe infections led to complete yellowing of young leaves and total failure of pod formation, indicating substantial yield losses. Symptom expression correlated with disease severity and provided early markers for field-level diagnosis. The study provides a detailed characterization of YMV symptomatology in the Marathwada region, offering critical information for disease surveillance, epidemiological studies, varietal screening, and integrated disease management. These findings are essential for developing strategies to mitigate the impact of YMVD, supporting soybean production, and guiding resistance-breeding programs in India and other Asian soybean-growing regions.