General Caused by Pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus (PPSMV) A single Eriophyid mite vector(Aceria cajani) is sufficient to transmit the disease. Perennial, ratooned and volunteer pigeonpeas provide mite vector and the pathogen. Disease incidence is high when pigeonpeas are inter-mixed cropped with sorghum or millets. Shade and humidity encourage mite multiplication. Symptoms In the field, the disease can be easily identified from a distance as patches of bushy, pale green plants without flowers or pods (Fig.103). Excessive vegetative growth and fail to produce flowers (sterility). The leaves are small and show a light and dark green mosaic pattern initially appear on young leaves. Only some parts of the plant may show disease symptoms, and other parts remain normal. Management Destroy sources of sterility mosaic inoculum on perennial or ratooned pigeonpea. Uproot infected plants at an early stage of disease development and destroy them as they are potential sources of inocula. Spray acaricides such as Kelthane, Tedion @ 1 ml per lt of water to kill mites.

Light and dark green mosaic pattern on leaves. Sterility mosaic infected plant (right side) without flowers and pods compared to normal plant (left side)