Lindernia begomovirus

Lindernia begomovirus (Begomovirus linderniae) is a viral pathogen classified within the Begomovirus genus of the Geminiviridae family. The virus contains a circular single-stranded DNA genome and causes systemic infection in host plants. Once inside the plant, the virus replicates, hindering normal physiological functions such as nutrient transport and carbon assimilation.

The primary hosts for this virus are plant species in the Lindernia genus. These plants are often susceptible to infection when grown in nurseries, greenhouses, or moist environments where vectors are abundant. The ability of the virus to persist in reservoirs, including certain weed species, allows it to remain present in the environment even in the absence of the main crop.

Symptoms of the infection are quite distinct and include leaf mosaic patterns, yellowing (chlorosis), leaf curling, and severe stunting of the plant's overall architecture. Leaves may exhibit puckering or crinkling, reducing the plant's photosynthetic efficiency. Infected plants generally show poor growth and rarely recover, often leading to a total loss of commercial value in nursery stock.

The transmission of this virus is primarily mediated by whiteflies, specifically species within the Bemisia complex. The virus is transmitted in a persistent, circulative manner, meaning that once a whitefly acquires the virus through feeding, it remains infectious for the remainder of its lifespan. Warm and humid greenhouse conditions accelerate both the reproduction of the insect vector and the rapid spread of the disease.

Preventative measures are essential for managing this virus due to the lack of direct curative treatments for viral plant diseases. Effective strategies include rigorous exclusion of whitefly populations, screening of greenhouse structures, and the eradication of symptomatic plants to reduce the viral load. Integrated pest management (IPM) techniques are highly recommended to monitor for insect vectors before they cause significant spread.

• Monitor and trap whitefly populations regularly.
• Use certified virus-free seedlings for propagation.
• Implement strict weed management practices.
• Rogue out and destroy infected plant material immediately.