Pepper begomovirus

Pepper begomovirus (Begomovirus chillicapsici) is a viral pathogen belonging to the Geminiviridae family. It is a serious plant virus characterized by a circular single-stranded DNA genome. The infection is systemic, causing severe disruption of the host plant's physiological functions and often leading to total crop failure if management measures are not implemented early.

This pathogen specifically targets members of the Solanaceae family. Economically important crops such as sweet and hot peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants are the primary hosts. Additionally, various wild weeds common in agricultural landscapes can act as asymptomatic reservoirs, allowing the virus to survive between planting seasons and spread rapidly to new crops.

Clinical signs of the disease are visible in both leaves and fruit development. Infected plants exhibit severe mosaic patterns, yellowing (chlorosis), leaf curling, and stunted growth. The plant architecture often becomes distorted. In fruiting vegetables, the flowers may drop prematurely, and the resulting fruits are usually small, mottled, and unmarketable due to their misshapen appearance.

The transmission of Begomovirus chillicapsici is strictly dependent on insect vectors. The primary vector responsible for the spread of this virus is the whitefly, specifically Bemisia tabaci. The virus is acquired by the insect during feeding and subsequently transmitted to healthy plants. Warm climates and high humidity favor whitefly outbreaks, which in turn leads to rapid transmission of the virus across fields.

Effective management requires an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy focused on vector exclusion and sanitation. Key practices include:

• Rigorous control of whitefly populations using systematic insecticide rotations.
• The use of virus-indexed, high-quality seeds or seedlings.
• Immediate rogueing and disposal of symptomatic plants to reduce the inoculum source.
• Weed management in and around production areas to eliminate alternative hosts.
• The use of physical barriers like insect-proof netting in greenhouse operations.