Incidence of Bhendi Yellow Vein Mosaic Disease and Isolation of Potential Endophytic Bacterial Antagonists from Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

The present study aims to investigate the prevalence and occurrence of bhendi yellow vein mosaic disease in okra and to explore the potential bacterial endophytes. A survey was conducted in the major okra-growing areas of Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam districts in Kerala during January–February 2025 to identify field-tolerant varieties/cultivars against Bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus (BYVMV) and to isolate the associated bacterial endophytes. Among the varieties surveyed, the cultivar Anakomban exhibited maximum susceptibility, while Phule Vimukta, an open-pollinated variety from Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Maharashtra, showed maximum tolerance against the disease. A positive correlation was observed between the whitefly population and disease incidence. BYVMV infection in bhendi plants was confirmed through PCR amplification of the coat protein gene of the virus. A total of 38 bacterial endophytes isolated from leaf and root tissues of field-tolerant plants were predominantly Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacilli. Application of such endophyte-based management strategies and involvement of biotechnological approaches in the management of BYVMV significantly reduces the over-dependence on chemical control methods, with an overall improvement in crop growth and productivity under field conditions.