Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Aphids are known to be great vectors of Papaya Ring Spot Virus and its efficiency in disease transmission was observed based on the length of its feeding time on the healthy papaya plant. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The study was conducted at Bolo Sur, Sipocot, Camarines Sur and Red Lady Variety of Papaya was used as test crop. The study was composed of four treatments: T1 – control (without inoculants), T2 – the PRSV was inoculated for 30 seconds, T3 – 60 seconds and T4 – 90 seconds. The treatments were replicated three times and each replicate was inoculated with 10 aphids as vector. Appearance of symptoms, plant height and number of leaves were assessed for a period of 21 days for each of the treatments. Findings: Results showed that there are no significant differences on plant height among the treatments. However, significant differences on leaf number were observed where the healthy papaya plant had the most number of leaf, however, the length of feeding time of aphids did not had any significant result among the rest of the treatments. Furthermore, Symptoms of PRSV were observed 12 days after inoculation despite the varied feeding time of aphids. Application: Knowledge on the efficacy of PRSV transmission of aphids would be useful in assessing the crops to be grown with papaya and in formulating better fertilization and disease management.

Keywords: Aphis gosypii, Carica Papaya, Disease Transmission, Non-persistent Manner, Papaya Ring Spot Virus