Pepper curly leaf virus

Pepper curly leaf virus (Begomovirus capsici) is a highly destructive plant pathogen classified within the Begomovirus genus of the Geminiviridae family. It is a DNA virus that interferes with the plant's vascular system, causing systemic infection and severe developmental abnormalities in susceptible vegetable crops.

The primary host for this virus is the pepper plant (Capsicum annuum). However, its host range can extend to other Solanaceous plants, including tomatoes and various weed species. These weeds serve as crucial reservoirs, allowing the virus to survive in the environment during the off-season or when host crops are absent.

Typical symptoms of infection include characteristic leaf curling, stunting, and mosaic patterns on the foliage. Infected plants often show shortened internodes and yellowing, which gives them a bushy or rosetted appearance. The reproductive capacity of the plant is significantly impaired, leading to minimal fruit set and poor harvest quality.

The virus is transmitted in a persistent, circulative manner by the tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). The insect acquires the virus while feeding on infected plant tissues and can spread it to healthy plants throughout its lifespan. High ambient temperatures and dry conditions favor the proliferation of the whitefly, leading to rapid spread of the disease.

Management of Pepper curly leaf virus focuses on prevention and vector suppression, as there are no chemical cures for established viral infections. Key control strategies include:

• Cultivating resistant or tolerant pepper varieties developed for specific regions.
• Implementing stringent integrated pest management (IPM) to control whitefly populations.
• Using fine-mesh insect-proof screens on greenhouses to prevent whitefly entry.
• Removing and destroying symptomatic plants immediately to eliminate viral sources.
• Maintaining field hygiene by controlling weeds that act as alternate hosts.