Pepper yellow leaf curl India virus

Begomovirus capsindiaense is a plant-pathogenic virus belonging to the Geminiviridae family. It is recognized as a significant constraint for the production of various solanaceous crops, causing severe systemic infections that disrupt the physiological processes of the host plants.

The primary hosts affected by this virus include pepper (Capsicum) and tomato plants. These crops are particularly susceptible, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where the environmental conditions favor the proliferation of its insect vectors throughout the year.

Symptoms of the disease are characterized by yellowing of leaves, inward curling of leaf margins, and stunted growth of the entire plant. In severe cases, the infected plants exhibit reduced internode length and floral abortion, leading to a drastic reduction in fruit yield and poor quality of the remaining harvest.

Transmission occurs exclusively through the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in a semi-persistent manner. The virus is acquired by the insect from infected host tissues and subsequently transmitted to healthy plants. Outbreaks are highly correlated with whitefly population density and climate patterns that facilitate insect dispersal.

Integrated pest management strategies are essential for controlling the virus:

• Selection and planting of virus-resistant cultivars.
• Strict whitefly control using chemical insecticides and biological agents.
• Removal and destruction of infected plants and surrounding weed hosts.
• Implementation of protected cultivation methods such as using insect-proof screens.
• Strategic crop rotation and management of planting windows to avoid peak vector activity.