Datura leaf curl virus

Pathogen and disease type. Begomovirus daturae is a plant virus belonging to the family Geminiviridae. This pathogen is typically transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. As a circulative, non-propagative virus, it affects the phloem tissues of the host plant, resulting in systemic infection that disrupts plant growth and development at a cellular level.

Host range and economic impact. The primary reservoir for this virus is the Datura genus, but it poses a significant threat to economically important solanaceous crops. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are particularly susceptible. The economic impact is severe, as infected plants suffer from stunted growth and reduced fruit set, leading to substantial yield losses and poor quality of harvested produce.

Symptoms and signs of infection. The most diagnostic symptom is leaf curling, often accompanied by chlorosis and mosaic patterns on the foliage. Infected plants appear stunted with shortened internodes. In severe cases, the flowers may be deformed or abscised prematurely, and the overall vigor of the plant is significantly compromised, making it look bushy and discolored.

Conditions for development. The spread of the virus is strictly linked to the life cycle of its vector, the whitefly. Development is favored by warm, humid conditions which accelerate the reproduction of the insect vector. Overwintering occurs primarily in weed hosts or perennial solanaceous plants, ensuring the virus persists in the environment between growing seasons.

Protection and prevention measures. Managing this viral disease requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach:

• Strict weed control to eliminate alternative hosts and virus reservoirs around growing sites.
• Management of whitefly populations using biological control agents and targeted insecticide applications.
• Use of virus-free planting material and resistant or tolerant crop varieties.
• Implementation of physical barriers such as insect-proof nets in greenhouses to prevent whitefly migration.
• Roguing of infected plants immediately upon symptom detection to prevent further virus spread within the field.