INCIDENCE, SYMPTOM DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSMISSION OF TARO FEATHERY MOSAIC DISEASE

Abstract

A survey of taro-growing areas in Eastern and Central Visayas showed about 10% infection with taro feathery mosaic disease (TFMD). TFMD-infected plants produced the characteristic feathery mosaic with or without mottling of leaves. The symptoms would sometimes be a slight green streak/irregular spots along or in between leaf veins. Symptoms of infection may disappear from a mature leaf and then reappear on the young leaf. Using the Kalpao variety of taro, manual inoculation showed 70% infection after 12.4 days of incubation while insect inoculation gave 63% infection after 15.2 days. The taro planthopper, Tarophagus proserpina Kirk., was found to be a vector of taro feathery mosaic disease.