Solanum burkinafasoense begomovirus

The causative agent of this disease is a virus belonging to the genus Begomovirus within the Geminiviridae family. This pathogen is characterized by a circular, single-stranded DNA genome. It was formally identified and classified following research into viral outbreaks affecting Solanaceous crops in Burkina Faso, which led to the specific scientific nomenclature for this virus species.

The primary host range of this virus includes various members of the Solanaceae family. Economically significant crops such as tomatoes and eggplants are the most frequently affected. In addition to commercial crops, the virus utilizes wild Solanaceous weed species as alternative hosts, which serve as a reservoir for the virus, ensuring its survival in agricultural landscapes throughout the year.

Symptoms of infection are typically characterized by severe yellowing and chlorosis of the foliage. Infected plants exhibit distinct leaf curling and upward twisting of leaf margins. Growth is significantly stunted, with shortened internodes and deformed fruit development. These physiological changes drastically reduce the plant's photosynthetic capacity and reproductive potential.

The virus is transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, which acts as the primary vector. The insect acquires the virus while feeding on infected plant tissues and subsequently transmits it to healthy plants. Transmission is rapid, especially in warm, arid environments where whitefly populations can reach high densities, making it difficult to contain without rigorous pest management.

Management and prevention strategies focus on breaking the disease cycle. Key interventions include:

• Effective control of whitefly populations using systematic insecticides.
• Removal and destruction of infected plants to prevent inoculum spread.
• Management of weed hosts around the perimeter of the field.
• Utilization of resistant or tolerant crop varieties.
• Implementation of appropriate crop rotation and sanitary farming practices.