These could include the elimination of the virus source, use of resistant varieties, or control of the vector. The source of a virus and the manner in which it is spread must be understood before developing strategies for control. Unlike many of the pathogens of peanut that depend on the forces of wind or rain for dissemination, most viruses are actively disseminated by a vector. Insects such as aphids or thrips are common vectors, but people and equipment may also spread viruses by mechanical damage of plants. Insects acquire viruses while feeding on infected plants and spread viruses when they feed on healthy plants.
Some viruses are seedborne.
Plants that arise from virus-infected seed may serve as a source of virus that can then spread to healthy plants. Yield losses from virus diseases in peanut depend on the severity of the disease, the percentage of plants infected, and the plant age when infection occurs. Yield loss is generally high if a large number of plants are severely infected early in the growing season. Yield loss is usually minimal when infection occurs late in the season when, most or all of the pods are mature, or by mild viruses, regardless of when plants are infected. Viruses have yet to cause serious problems for Oklahoma peanut growers.