Malagasy solanaceous leaf curl begomovirus

The pathogen responsible for this condition is Begomovirus solanummadagascarense, a member of the Geminiviridae family. As a viral pathogen, it interferes with the plant's vascular system, causing systemic infection that disrupts essential metabolic processes such as nutrient translocation and photosynthesis.

This virus primarily affects plant species within the Solanaceae family. While primarily found in wild Solanum species in Madagascar, it represents a significant biosecurity risk, potentially impacting agricultural production of major crops like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers if the virus is introduced to new environments.

The disease is characterized by visible symptoms including leaf curling, severe deformation of foliage, and mosaic patterns. Affected plants often exhibit stunted growth, reduced biomass, and flower abortion, which significantly impairs their ability to yield healthy fruit and vegetables.

Transmission occurs primarily through the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), which acts as the specific vector. The epidemiology of the disease is strictly linked to environmental conditions that favor whitefly outbreaks, such as warm and dry climates that accelerate the insect's life cycle and increase feeding activity on host plants.

Effective management and prevention strategies include:

• Rigorous integrated pest management (IPM) to control whitefly populations.
• Implementation of strict phytosanitary measures for crop propagation materials.
• Removal and destruction of infected host plants to reduce local viral inoculum.
• Use of physical barriers such as insect-proof nets in greenhouse production.