Solanum leaf curl begomovirus

The causal agent of this disease is Begomovirus solanumguangdongense, a member of the Begomovirus genus within the Geminiviridae family. As a viral pathogen with a circular single-stranded DNA genome, it is highly efficient at infecting host tissues and causing systemic physiological changes in plants, leading to severe developmental disorders.

The host range is primarily limited to the Solanaceae family. Economically important crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are highly susceptible to this virus. Furthermore, various solanaceous weeds act as persistent reservoirs for the virus, ensuring its survival even when commercial crops are not present in the field.

Symptoms are distinct and often debilitating for the plant. Affected crops typically exhibit severe leaf curling, stunted growth, upward rolling of leaf margins, and interveinal chlorosis. As the disease progresses, the plant architecture becomes distorted, resulting in poor fruit set and significant yield reduction, rendering the harvest commercially unviable.

The transmission of this virus is strictly linked to insect vectors, particularly the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The virus is introduced into the plant tissue through the feeding activity of the insect. Outbreaks are strongly correlated with warm, dry climatic conditions that favor rapid whitefly population growth and mobility between host plants.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is the most effective approach to control this virus:

• Strict control of whitefly populations using biological and chemical means;
• Usage of virus-free planting material and resistant cultivars;
• Implementation of spatial and temporal isolation in crop production;
• Sanitation measures to eliminate weed hosts;
• Roguing and disposal of symptomatic infected plants.