Begomovirus solanumcebuense

Begomovirus solanumcebuense is a plant pathogen belonging to the Geminiviridae family. As a viral agent with a single-stranded DNA genome, it systematically infects the host plant, disrupting cellular processes and causing significant metabolic disturbances that hinder the plant's overall development and productivity.

The primary hosts of this virus are members of the Solanaceae family, including economically important crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and various potato species. Additionally, several common agricultural weeds act as alternative hosts, harboring the virus throughout the off-season and providing a continuous source of inoculum for subsequent crop cycles.

Symptoms of the disease typically involve distinct chlorotic mosaic patterns, interveinal yellowing, and severe leaf curling or crinkling, particularly in younger foliage. Affected plants often exhibit stunted internodes, reduced leaf size, and significant floral abortion, which leads to a dramatic reduction in both the quantity and quality of marketable fruit.

The transmission of Begomovirus solanumcebuense is facilitated by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The virus is acquired by the insect through feeding on the phloem sap of an infected plant. Once the whitefly is viruliferous, it can transmit the virus to healthy plants during subsequent feeding sessions, facilitating rapid spread within a field or greenhouse environment.

Management of this begomovirus requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach centered on vector control. Effective strategies include the application of systemic insecticides to manage whitefly populations, the implementation of physical barriers like fine-mesh screens in greenhouses, the removal of symptomatic plants to reduce inoculum pressure, and the use of resistant crop cultivars whenever available.