Pepper leaf curl virus

Pepper leaf curl virus (Begomovirus capsiahmedbadense) is a viral pathogen of the Geminiviridae family that significantly affects solanaceous crops. The virus is transmitted in a persistent manner by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, making vector control the primary focus of disease management strategies.

The host range primarily includes Capsicum species (bell and chili peppers) and tomatoes. The virus can persist in various weed species that serve as alternative hosts, bridging the gap between growing seasons and acting as a constant source of inoculum in both open fields and greenhouses.

Key symptoms of infection involve severe leaf curling, puckering, and yellowing (chlorosis). Infected plants exhibit stunted growth, reduced internode length, and a bush-like appearance. This leads to poor flower development and a drastic reduction in fruit yield, rendering the crop economically non-viable.

The epidemiology of the disease is driven by the population dynamics of its vector. Warm, humid conditions favor whitefly reproduction and dispersal, facilitating rapid spread of the virus throughout the crop. High temperatures exacerbate the stress on infected plants, accelerating the manifestation of visible symptoms.

Management practices focus on integrated pest management (IPM). Key actions include:

• Utilizing resistant cultivars when available.
• Rigorous monitoring and suppression of whitefly populations.
• Implementation of physical barriers such as insect-proof netting in greenhouses.
• Prompt roguing of symptomatic plants to reduce the local inoculum source.
• Sanitation programs to eliminate weed hosts around cultivation areas.