Pepper leaf curl Lahore virus

Pepper leaf curl Lahore virus (Begomovirus capsicumlahorense) is a serious viral disease belonging to the genus Begomovirus of the family Geminiviridae. This pathogen is known for causing significant damage to horticultural crops, specifically within the Solanaceae family.

The primary host for this virus is the pepper plant (Capsicum species). The disease affects both bell peppers and chili peppers, causing systemic infection that alters the plant's metabolic pathways and significantly reduces yield quality and quantity in affected regions.

Symptoms of the infection typically include severe leaf curling, puckering, and yellowing (chlorosis). Infected plants exhibit stunted growth, reduced internode length, and often produce misshapen fruits, which leads to total market failure of the affected harvest segments.

The virus is transmitted by the whitefly, specifically Bemisia tabaci, in a persistent circulative manner. The disease spreads rapidly during periods of high temperatures and dry weather, which are optimal for whitefly reproduction and dispersal throughout the field or greenhouse environment.

Management of the virus relies on an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy aimed primarily at controlling the vector population. Chemical control of whiteflies, the use of virus-free certified seedlings, and the implementation of physical barriers such as insect-proof nets are essential for preventing outbreaks.

Sanitation practices are equally important in mitigating the impact of the virus. Removing and destroying symptomatic plants, eliminating weeds that host the virus or the vector, and strictly following hygiene protocols in greenhouses help to suppress the spread and ensure crop health throughout the growing season.