Plant Pathogens which Threaten Food Security: Viruses of Chickpea and Other Cool Season Legumes in West Asia and North Africa

Abstract

West Asia and North Africa (WANA) and the Indian sub-continent are regions of major production of chickpea, faba bean and lentil, where these crops represent a major source of protein in the diet of the population. These crops are attacked by a large number of viruses, the most economically important among them being which cause stunting and yellowing symptoms together with poor or no pod setting. Our knowledge of the identity of these viruses improved significantly over the past three decades because of the advances in molecular diagnostics. At present, there are 12 viruses in chickpea and 6 in faba bean that are insect transmitted in the persistent manner, cause stunting and yellowing symptoms, and the number is increasing. Virus disease management involving a combination of control measures is the best practical strategy to reduce virus disease levels, and consequently increase productivity of grain legume crops. Research that leads to the design of most appropriate control strategies is needed for each grain legume producing region in WANA countries and within each country.