Solanum bright yellow mosaic virus

Begomovirus solanumbangalorense is a plant pathogenic virus classified within the genus Begomovirus of the Geminiviridae family. It is characterized by its bipartite or monopartite circular single-stranded DNA genome, which allows the virus to infect and manipulate host plant cells effectively, causing significant physiological distress.

The primary host range of this pathogen is strictly confined to the Solanaceae family. Among the most severely affected crops are tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. The virus also utilizes various wild weeds as alternative hosts, creating a persistent reservoir that allows the disease to survive throughout the year, even in the absence of cultivated crops.

Symptoms of the infection typically present as severe leaf curling, yellowing (chlorosis), and mosaic patterns on the foliage. Infected plants exhibit stunted growth, reduced leaf size, and shortened internodes, which drastically alters the plant architecture. Because the virus interferes with plant metabolism, flower abscission is common, resulting in severe yield losses and fruit deformation.

The transmission mechanism of the virus is exclusively mediated by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The insect acquires the virus while feeding on an infected plant and spreads it during subsequent feeding cycles on healthy plants. The spread is highly dependent on environmental factors, particularly hot and dry weather conditions, which promote high reproductive rates in whitefly populations and increase viral transmission efficiency.

Management of this viral disease relies on an integrated approach to pest and vector control:

• Systemic application of insecticides to manage whitefly populations effectively.
• Use of resistant or tolerant crop varieties specifically bred for virus resistance.
• Strict sanitation protocols including the removal of infected plants and symptomatic weeds.
• Physical exclusion techniques such as using insect-proof mesh in greenhouses.
• Implementing cultural practices like adjusting planting dates to avoid peak periods of vector activity.