Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) Outbreak in Africa: A Growing Threat to Food Security.
Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) Outbreak in Africa: A Growing Threat to Food Security.
Context: Recent genomic studies have confirmed the rapid spread of the Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) across key rice-growing regions of Africa, posing a significant threat to the continent’s food security and agricultural resilience.
What is RYMV?
Full Form: Rice Yellow Mottle Virus
Virus Type:Sobemovirus
Transmission: Not seed-transmitted; instead spread by:
Beetles (especially Chrysomelidae)
Grasshoppers
Mechanical means via contaminated tools or workers
Geographic Spread: Endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa, but recent data shows expansion across West and East African regions
Symptoms in Rice Crops
Symptom
Impact
Yellowing of Leaves
Affects photosynthesis, early sign of infection
Stunted Growth
Limits yield potential
Sterility of Grains
Leads to crop failure, major economic loss
Plant Death (in severe cases)
Total yield loss in affected patches
Why It’s in News: Genomic Surveillance
Genomic tracking has revealed multiple mutation hotspots in RYMV strains
These mutations may lead to more virulent forms, making it harder to control with current resistant rice varieties
Identified multiple introduction events, showing that cross-border transmission is accelerating due to trade and climate changes
UPSC & Competitive Exam Angle
Paper / Subject
Relevance
GS Paper 3 (UPSC)
Food Security, Agri-Diseases, Bio-tech in Crops
Environment
Climate-vectored plant diseases
Geography (Agri)
Impact of pest outbreaks on African farming
Science & Tech
Role of Genomic Surveillance
What Needs to Be Done
Biotechnological interventions: Develop RYMV-resistant rice using CRISPR or transgenic methods
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce beetle populations
Strict phytosanitary measures during cross-border rice trade
Regional collaboration among African nations for disease forecasting and response
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