Abstract:
Yam is an important food staple for millions of people globally, particularly those in the
developing countries of West Africa and the Pacific Islands. To sustain the growing population, yam
production must be increased amidst the many biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant viruses are among
the most detrimental of plant pathogens and have caused great losses of crop yield and quality,
including those of yam. Knowledge and understanding of virus biology and ecology are important
for the development of diagnostic tools and disease management strategies to combat the spread of
yam-infecting viruses. This review aims to highlight current knowledge on key yam-infecting viruses
by examining their characteristics, genetic diversity, disease symptoms, diagnostics, and elimination
to provide a synopsis for consideration in developing diagnostic strategy and disease management
for yam.
