DOI: 10.20289/zfdergi.1838797 ISSN: 1018-8851

Sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) associated viruses, their symptom expression, and insect vectors in global sweet potato production: A systematic literature review

Wan Nurfatin Fathiah, Norhayati Ngah, Mohd Fahmi Abu Bakar
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Objective: This review consolidates current knowledge on sweet potato virus disease (SPVD)-associated viruses, symptom expression, and insect vectors reported from 2015 to 2025.Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Mendeley from November 2025 to January 2026 by the research team at the East Coast Environmental Research Institute, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Fifty-eight primary studies were selected, and data were synthesized under three themes: virus diversity and evolution, virus-host interactions, and diagnostic and management approaches.Results: SPVD viruses demonstrated wide geographical distribution and genetic variability. Mixed infections, particularly combinations of Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) and potyviruses. It resulted in severe symptoms and yield losses. Virus-host interactions revealed synergistic effects, symptom variability, and physiological impacts. Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and aphids were key vectors. Molecular diagnostics improved detection sensitivity.Conclusion: Despite progress in virus characterization and the development of diagnostic tools, the management of integrated SPVD remains limited. Thus, strengthened surveillance, deployment of molecular tools, and resistance-based strategies are urgently needed to manage SPVD and sustainably safeguard sweet potato productivity worldwide.

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