A Review on Viruses Infecting Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott)

Abstract

Taro is an important crop in parts of the world, especially in the Pacific Islands. Like all plants, it is also susceptible to virus infections that could result in diseases, which negatively affects the source of food and trade revenue. Understanding the biology of taro viruses could improve current knowledge regarding the relationship between viruses and taro, thus allowing for a better approach towards the management of the diseases that are associated with them. By compiling and discussing the research on taro and its four major viruses (Dasheen mosaic virus, Taro bacilliform virus, Colocasia bobone disease virus, and Taro vein chlorosis virus) and a relatively new one (Taro bacilliform CH virus), this paper explores the details of each virus by examining their characteristics and highlighting information that could be used to mitigate taro infections and disease management.