Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) in Africa: Evolution, Distribution, Economic Significance on Sustainable Rice Production and Management Strategies

Rice Yellow Mottle Virus is specific to Africa. It was first noticed in Kenya, East Africa in 1966. It is said to have come to the foreground with the introductions of exotic rice (Oryza sativa L.) from Asia into the continent. It is evident that the indigenous rices (Oryza glaberrima Steud., O. longistaminata Chev. et Roehr., O. barthii Chev., Leersia spp., O. punctata Kotsky et Steud.), are more tolerant of the virus. The virus belongs to the Sobemovirus group and is very stable and highly infectious. It is very destructive and therefore threatening rice production in Africa. Thus, hypotheses on how it evolved, and information on its distribution, economic significance on sustainable rice production and management strategies are discussed.