Begomovirus deinbolliae

Begomovirus deinbolliae is a plant pathogen belonging to the Begomovirus genus within the Geminiviridae family. It is characterized by its bipartite or monopartite circular single-stranded DNA genome, which relies on the host plant's replication machinery to propagate throughout the plant's tissues.

This specific virus primarily infects the host plant Deinbollia polypus. As a member of the geminiviruses, it causes systemic infection, leading to significant physiological stress and hindering the plant's ability to undergo normal metabolic cycles required for healthy development and growth.

Symptoms of the infection typically include leaf curling, yellowing of veins (vein clearing), and interveinal chlorosis. As the disease progresses, the plant exhibits stunted growth, reduced leaf size, and significant malformation of the shoots, which directly contributes to the overall loss of vitality and biomass.

The transmission of this virus is strictly mediated by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The virus is acquired by the vector during the feeding process and is subsequently transmitted to healthy plants. High vector population density combined with favorable environmental conditions accelerates the rate of secondary infection across a field.

Management strategies focus on vector control and the removal of infection sources. Farmers should implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices to reduce whitefly populations, utilize certified virus-free propagation material, and practice strict sanitation by eliminating infected plant debris promptly.