A review of viruses infecting yam (Dioscorea spp.)

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.