Merremia golden mosaic virus

Begomovirus merremiapuertoricoense is a plant viral pathogen belonging to the genus Begomovirus within the Geminiviridae family. The virus is characterized by a circular, single-stranded DNA genome and relies on host cell machinery for replication, leading to systemic physiological disruption.

The primary hosts for this pathogen include various species within the Convolvulaceae family, specifically the genus Merremia. These wild plants often serve as a long-term reservoir for the virus, posing a significant risk to neighboring agricultural crops if the necessary vectors are present.

Infected plants typically display symptoms such as intense golden mosaic patterns, chlorosis, and leaf deformation. Stunted development and shortened internodes are frequently observed, which significantly impair the plant's ability to undergo photosynthesis and reduce overall vegetative vigor.

The virus is transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in a persistent manner. After the insect acquires the virus during feeding, a latent period follows before it becomes capable of transmitting the pathogen to healthy plants, making the insect vector a critical factor in the disease cycle.

Management and prevention require an integrated approach:

• Implementation of stringent weed control programs targeting reservoir hosts like Merremia species;
• Regular monitoring and management of whitefly populations using appropriate insecticides;
• Use of insect-proof netting in greenhouses to exclude vectors;
• Adoption of resistant or tolerant cultivars where biological data is available;
• Strict field sanitation practices to eliminate sources of primary inoculum.