Dicliptera leaf curl virus

The Dicliptera leaf curl virus (Begomovirus diclipterae) is a viral pathogen classified within the genus Begomovirus and the family Geminiviridae. Like other members of this group, it possesses a circular single-stranded DNA genome, which allows it to integrate efficiently into the host plant's genetic machinery to facilitate rapid replication.

The primary hosts for this pathogen are plants of the Acanthaceae family, particularly those within the Dicliptera genus. Due to the wide host range associated with many begomoviruses, there is a persistent risk of cross-infection to neighboring ornamental or economically significant crops, posing a challenge for greenhouse and field management.

Symptoms of the infection are typically characterized by severe leaf curling, stunting, and mosaic patterns or chlorosis on the foliage. The plants exhibit visible signs of physiological distress, resulting in reduced biomass, poor root development, and significantly lowered quality of vegetative and reproductive parts.

The virus is transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in a circulative, non-propagative manner. Once an insect acquires the virus while feeding on an infected plant, it remains a vector for the duration of its lifespan. Rapid spread is favored by warm, humid conditions that support large populations of the whitefly vector.

Strategic protection and prevention include the following practices:

• Strict sanitation protocols in nurseries to eliminate potential weed reservoirs.
• Implementation of insect-proof netting in greenhouses to exclude whiteflies.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focusing on the biological and chemical control of Bemisia tabaci.
• Regular inspection and removal of infected symptomatic plants to prevent horizontal transmission.