Pepper huasteco yellow vein virus

Begomovirus capsicumhuastecoense, also known as the Pepper huasteco yellow vein virus, is a plant pathogenic virus belonging to the Geminiviridae family. As a member of the Begomovirus genus, it contains a circular single-stranded DNA genome and is recognized for causing devastating leaf curl and yellowing symptoms in various pepper varieties.

This virus primarily infects plants of the Capsicum genus, most notably bell peppers and chili peppers. In endemic areas, the host range may extend to other solanaceous crops and weeds. Due to the high agricultural importance of peppers, this virus poses a substantial economic threat to commercial vegetable production in tropical and subtropical climates.

The disease is characterized by severe leaf curling, puckering, and yellowing of the leaf tissue, particularly at the growing tips. Infected plants exhibit stunted growth, reduced internode length, and a dramatic decrease in fruit set. The foliage often appears distorted, leading to a reduced photosynthetic area and eventual plant decline.

Transmission occurs exclusively via the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (the sweet potato whitefly). The virus is acquired by the insect while feeding on infected phloem sap. Once acquired, the virus circulates within the whitefly, allowing for persistent transmission to healthy host plants during subsequent feeding events. Climate conditions favoring whitefly outbreaks significantly increase disease incidence.

Management practices for controlling this virus include:

• Rigorous whitefly population management through integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
• Deployment of resistant or tolerant pepper cultivars developed through breeding programs.
• Installation of insect-proof screens for greenhouse-grown crops to exclude vectors.
• Elimination of volunteer crop plants and weed hosts that harbor the virus during off-seasons.
• Regular scouting and immediate removal of symptomatic plants to minimize viral spread.