Pepper leaf curl Sri Lanka virus

Pepper leaf curl Sri Lanka virus (PepLCSRV) is a damaging viral pathogen belonging to the genus Begomovirus. This plant disease is characterized by systemic infection that severely disrupts the normal development and physiology of affected agricultural crops.

The primary hosts of this virus are members of the Solanaceae family. Commercial crops such as bell peppers, chili peppers, and tomatoes are highly susceptible. The virus can also survive in various weed reservoirs, allowing it to persist in the environment between planting seasons.

Symptoms of the infection typically manifest as severe leaf curling, puckering, and yellowing of the foliage. The plants exhibit stunted growth with shortened internodes, and the production of fruits is significantly reduced, with many fruits becoming misshapen and unsuitable for market.

The virus is transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in a circulative, persistent manner. The spread is most rapid during warm, dry weather conditions, which promote high population densities of whiteflies, enabling them to carry the virus rapidly across wide areas.

Management strategies focus on integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Key measures include:

• Using virus-resistant or tolerant crop varieties.
• Implementing rigorous whitefly control using systemic insecticides and biological agents.
• Using physical barriers like fine-mesh screens in greenhouses.
• Removing infected plants immediately to reduce the viral load.