Begomovirus capsicumindonesiaense

Begomovirus capsicumindonesiaense is a viral plant pathogen belonging to the Geminiviridae family. As a typical begomovirus, it possesses a circular single-stranded DNA genome and poses a major threat to agricultural productivity by inducing severe stunting and physiological disturbances in infected host plants.

The primary hosts of this virus include various pepper varieties (Capsicum annuum) and tomatoes. In tropical and subtropical regions where the virus is prevalent, it causes substantial economic losses, often rendering fields non-productive due to the total failure of fruit set and the poor quality of the remaining harvest.

Symptoms of infection are characterized by distinct leaf yellowing, severe curling, and mosaic patterns. These signs indicate that the virus has systematically infected the plant's vascular tissues, disrupting nutrient transport and photosynthesis, which ultimately leads to a significant reduction in biomass and yield output.

The development and spread of the disease are strictly dependent on the presence of the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. This insect vector acts as the main transmission mechanism, acquiring the virus from infected plants and spreading it rapidly throughout healthy fields, especially in hot and humid climates that favor high insect populations.

Control strategies for this virus are mainly preventative and focus on vector management. Growers are advised to implement strict sanitation, including the removal of infected plants and surrounding weeds that may act as alternative hosts. Integrated pest management (IPM) involving chemical or biological insecticides to control the whitefly population remains the most effective defense against the spread of the disease.