Sida golden mosaic virus

Begomovirus sidaureibuckupense is a viral pathogen belonging to the Begomovirus genus within the Geminiviridae family. The virus is characterized by a circular single-stranded DNA genome and functions as a systemic pathogen that disrupts the metabolic processes of host plants, leading to severe chlorosis and growth retardation.

The primary host for this virus is the genus Sida, particularly Sida urens. However, like many other begomoviruses, it poses a significant threat to various agronomic crops, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. The virus persists in wild weed populations, which serve as a continuous reservoir for the pathogen throughout the growing season.

Symptoms of the infection typically manifest as bright yellow or golden mosaic patterns across the foliage. Affected plants exhibit significant phenotypic changes, including leaf curling, severe deformation, stunted growth, and reduced internode length. The resulting impairment of chlorophyll production leads to decreased biomass and significant yield losses in infected crops.

Transmission occurs exclusively through insect vectors, primarily whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). Environmental factors, such as high temperatures and relative humidity, play a critical role in the virus cycle by promoting the population density and feeding activity of the vectors. The virus is acquired by the vector during feeding and is then transmitted to healthy plants during subsequent feeding events.

Managing Begomovirus sidaureibuckupense requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to minimize damage:

• Strict control of whitefly populations using targeted insecticides and traps.
• Removal and destruction of weeds and volunteer host plants within and around the field.
• Implementation of crop rotation and spatial isolation.
• Deployment of resistant or tolerant cultivars when available.
• Continuous monitoring and early rogueing of symptomatic plants to limit the spread of the virus.