Pepper leaf curl virus

Begomovirus capsigondaense is a viral pathogen classified within the Geminiviridae family. It contains a circular single-stranded DNA genome and is transmitted in a persistent, circulative manner by its insect vector. This virus is known for causing severe systemic infections that significantly disrupt the physiological balance of the host plant.

The primary host for this virus is the pepper plant (Capsicum species). The virus has a wide host range among the Solanaceae family, which allows it to persist in various weeds and alternative hosts near agricultural fields. This reservoir capability makes the management of the virus particularly challenging in regions with continuous cropping cycles.

Key symptoms include severe leaf curling, puckering, and upward or downward twisting of leaves. Infected plants typically exhibit chlorotic mottling, mosaic patterns, and stunted growth, leading to a "bushy" appearance. The reduction in leaf surface area and physiological stress results in a substantial decrease in fruit yield and poor quality of harvested pepper fruits.

The virus is exclusively transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The whitefly acquires the virus by feeding on the phloem sap of infected plants and can transmit it to healthy plants after a latent period. High temperatures and dry conditions favor the rapid population explosion of the vector, leading to widespread transmission across the field within a very short timeframe.

Management strategies must prioritize vector control and sanitation. Farmers should implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices, including the use of reflective mulches, yellow sticky traps for monitoring, and appropriate systemic insecticides to manage whitefly populations. Additionally, roguing infected plants early in the season and selecting resistant or tolerant pepper varieties are critical steps in mitigating damage and ensuring a profitable harvest.