Graft transmission of Piper yellow mottle virus-like disease in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/bioenv.v4i3.176Keywords:
Black pepper, graft transmission, histopathology, disease severity, Piper yellow mottle virusAbstract
Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is an economically important spice crop susceptible to Piper yellow mottle virus (PYMoV). This study evaluated the development of PYMoV-like symptoms following grafting between symptomatic and asymptomatic plants of the Kuching cultivar. The experiment was conducted in an insect-proof greenhouse in Jasin, Melaka, using a completely randomised design with four grafting combinations and five replicates, totalling 20 plants. Disease incidence, severity scores, disease severity index (DSI), plant height, and visible symptoms were monitored for three months, followed by histopathological examination of leaf tissues. Plants with asymptomatic scions and rootstocks remained symptom-free throughout the study. All plants in treatments containing symptomatic material exhibited symptoms by the second month. By the third month, DSI values reached 32% for symptomatic scions grafted onto asymptomatic rootstocks, 52% for asymptomatic scions grafted onto symptomatic rootstocks, and 72% when both components were symptomatic. Mean disease severity differed significantly among treatments at each monthly assessment, whereas plant height differences were not statistically significant. Histopathological examination revealed tissue discolouration and disruption, with the most pronounced changes occurring when both graft components were symptomatic. These findings are consistent with graft-associated development of PYMoV-like disease but do not establish virus identity or definitive transmission. Molecular testing of donor plants and initially asymptomatic recipient tissues is required for confirmation. The study highlights the importance of verified virus-free planting material and nursery sanitation.
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