Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 119-128 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 119 Review Article Open Access The Role of Viruses in Sugarcane Yield Reduction: A Case Study on Sugarcane Yellow Leaf Virus Chunyang Zhan Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: 764812559@qq.com Molecular Pathogens, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0012 Received: 09 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 26 Apr., 2024 Published: 18 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhan, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhan C.Y., 2024, The role of viruses in sugarcane yield reduction: a case study on Sugarcane yellow leaf virus, Molecular Pathogens, 15(3): 119-128 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0012) Abstract This study systematically explores the role of viruses, particularly Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV), in sugarcane yield reduction. Key findings reveal that SCYLV significantly impacts the physiological functions of sugarcane, leading to decreased photosynthetic efficiency, impaired nutrient uptake and transport, and stunted growth. SCYLV infection not only directly damages plant tissues but also predisposes sugarcane to secondary infections and environmental stresses, further exacerbating yield losses. The prevalence of SCYLV has led to significant yield reductions and varietal degeneration in various regions, including Florida, Réunion Island, and India. To mitigate the impact of SCYLV on sugarcane production, several management strategies have been employed, including the use of virus-free seed cane, breeding for resistant varieties, and employing chemical and biological control methods. These strategies have shown positive results under different conditions and in various regions. Future research should focus on advancing the understanding of the mechanisms of SCYLV resistance, further exploring the application of RNA interference technology and multi-target resistant transgenic lines, and improving early detection and diagnostic tools to enhance disease management. This study aims to advance the understanding of SCYLV resistance mechanisms and improve management strategies to reduce the impact of SCYLV on sugarcane yield and promote sustainable sugarcane production. Keywords Sugarcane (Saccharumspp.); Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV); Yield; Virus management; Resistance breeding 1 Introduction Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a vital crop globally, providing approximately 80% of the world's sugar and a significant portion of bioethanol (Yang et al., 2019). Cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, sugarcane is a major economic driver in many countries, supporting both local economies and global markets. The crop's high biomass yield and adaptability to various climates make it a preferred choice for sugar and biofuel production. However, sugarcane cultivation faces numerous challenges, including diseases caused by viruses, which can significantly impact yield and quality (Viswanathan, 2018). The yield of sugarcane is crucial for the economic viability of the crop. High yields ensure the profitability of sugarcane farming, which in turn supports the livelihoods of millions of farmers and workers in the sugar industry. Yield reductions can have severe economic consequences (Lu et al., 2021), affecting not only the farmers but also the entire supply chain, from processing mills to global sugar markets. Diseases such as Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) have been identified as major threats to sugarcane yield, causing significant losses in various regions (Lehrer et al., 2009; Boukari et al., 2019; Sood et al., 2021; Viswanathan, 2021). This study is to comprehensively examine the role of viruses, particularly SCYLV, in reducing sugarcane yield. It will assess the prevalence and impact of SCYLV on sugarcane yield in different regions, and evaluate the effectiveness of various management strategies in mitigating the impact of SCYLV. By synthesizing findings from multiple studies, this study expects to provide a detailed understanding of how SCYLV affects sugarcane yield and to propose evidence-based recommendations for managing this disease to sustain sugarcane production. 2 Overview of Plant Viruses 2.1 General characteristics of plant viruses Plant viruses are typically small, obligate intracellular parasites that rely on host cellular machinery for replication. They possess a wide range of genetic material, including single-stranded or double-stranded RNA or DNA. For
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