Bean Pod Mottle Virus - Agronomic Impact

Infection by viruses and damage to the seed pod can cause a discoloration of soybean seed, also called seed coat mottling.

Yield losses in soybeans infected with BPMV can range from 3% to 52%. Over a broad geographic range, yield reductions between 10% and 40% have been reported.

The impact of BPMV on yield depends upon the time of virus infection: early infection results in the highest yield reduction. A synergistic reaction occurs when plants are infected with both BPMV and soybean mosaic virus. Reduction in yield is much greater in mixed infections than either virus alone.

How BPMV affects soybean

Infection by BPMV decreases pod formation and reduces seed size, weight and number. BPMV is associated with green stem syndrome, a delayed maturity of the stems and petioles, which can make harvesting more difficult. 

The virus can cause seed mottle, especially if soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is also present. BPMV can also predispose the plant to infection of seed by the fungal pathogen Phomopsis, which can lower seed germination and seedling vigor. Mottled seed can be a sign of poor seed quality, resulting in financial penalties to producers.

References

Bean pod mottle virus. A threat to U.S. soybean production . Giesler, L. J., Ghabrial, S. A., Hunt, T. E., and Hill, J. H. 2002. Plant Disease 86:1280-1289. (pdf format)

Information on these pages is from the cooperative effort of researchers throughout the North Central states. Information from this site can be copied and distributed for educational use. Please credit the source with our name and URL: NCSRP Plant Health Initiative at www.planthealth.info. Please do not use copyrighted photos without permission.