We surveyed 800 growers of chili, tomato and mungbean in India, Thailand and Vietnam.
•
We analyzed the perceived causes and damage of plant viruses and control methods applied.
•
A minority of farmers could identify viruses as the causal agent of specific disease symptoms.
•
Few farmers understood the role of insect vectors in the spread of plant viruses.
•
Farmer training in plant viruses, resistant varieties and vector control methods are needed.