Variable infection mechanisms of mungbean yellow mosaic India virus in diverse Vigna species: New insights from differential gene expression

The extent of viral infection significantly shapes disease susceptibility. Yellow mosaic disease induced by the begomovirus pathogen mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV), revealed varying infection levels in both compatible and incompatible interactions across three distinct Vigna species such black gram, green gram, and rice bean. Differential gene expression analysis focused on MYMIV coat protein (AV1) and replication protein (AC1) highlighted elevated AV1 expression in the susceptible green gram genotype SML1082 compared to the black gram genotype KUG253. Conversely, AC1 showed higher expression in black gram than green gram, illustrating complex infection mechanisms among compatible MYMIV-Vigna interactions. A novel infection pathway, termed "Lack of Efficient Assembly (LEA)," has been hypothesized in MYMIV-Vigna interactions. Additionally, a whitefly-mediated artificial transmission model for begomoviruses, named Transparent Airflow Stress-free Container (TASC), has been designed and demonstrated for the efficient transmission of MYMIV. This study enhances the understanding of begomovirus infection dynamics in diverse Vigna species, offering insights into disease management strategies.