Mindanao solanum leaf curl begomovirus

Begomovirus solanummindanaoense is a plant virus belonging to the family Geminiviridae. This pathogen causes severe viral infections in members of the Solanaceae family, leading to significant physiological disruption and stunted growth in affected plant populations.

The virus primarily affects horticultural crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. It is particularly problematic in tropical and subtropical regions where environmental conditions favor both the cultivation of host plants and the development of insect vectors throughout the year.

Symptoms of the infection typically include severe leaf curling, inward rolling of the margins, yellowing or chlorosis, and the development of distorted, leathery foliage. In advanced stages of infection, plants exhibit stunted internodes and a marked reduction in flower production, rendering the crop economically non-viable.

Transmission occurs primarily through the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). The insect acquires the virus while feeding on infected sap and transmits it to healthy plants during subsequent feeding sessions. The spread is highly correlated with the movement and population density of whiteflies, which are exacerbated by warm weather and lack of crop rotation.

Since there are no curative measures for viral infections in plants, management focuses on prevention and vector control strategies:

• Rigorous monitoring and management of whitefly populations using integrated pest management (IPM).
• Utilization of virus-free, high-quality seeds and nursery stock.
• Physical barriers such as insect-proof screens for greenhouse cultivation.
• Removal and destruction of infected plants to minimize the inoculum source in the field.
• Elimination of alternative host weed species that harbor the virus during off-seasons.