Solanum dianae begomovirus

Begomovirus solanumdianaense is a viral pathogen classified within the genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae. This virus primarily infects plants within the Solanaceae family. Like other viruses in this group, it possesses a single-stranded circular DNA genome and is a significant limiting factor for vegetable production in tropical and subtropical regions.

The transmission of this virus is exclusively dependent on the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The insect acquires the virus while feeding on phloem sap of infected plants and transmits it to healthy plants during subsequent feeding events. Because the virus circulates within the vector, it remains transmissible for the duration of the insect's life cycle, facilitating rapid spread within crop fields.

Infected plants exhibit distinctive symptoms such as systemic mosaic, leaf curling, yellowing (chlorosis), and stunted growth. The severity of symptoms often depends on the growth stage of the plant at the time of infection. Early infection typically results in the most severe stunting, reduced flowering, and failure of fruit set, leading to substantial economic losses.

Environmental conditions play a crucial role in the development and spread of the virus. High temperatures and humidity levels stimulate the rapid population growth of the whitefly vector. Furthermore, the presence of susceptible weed species adjacent to cultivated fields serves as a year-round reservoir, allowing the virus to persist between growing seasons.

Effective management requires an integrated approach that includes

• using resistant crop varieties,
• implementing strict weed control to remove reservoirs,
• employing reflective mulches to deter whiteflies,
• applying targeted insecticides to manage vector populations,
• utilizing greenhouse exclusion screens to prevent insect entry.