Solanum moheliense yellow mosaic virus

Pathogen and disease type: Begomovirus solanummoheliense is a plant virus belonging to the Geminiviridae family. It is a persistent, circulative, and transmissible virus that affects the vascular system of the host plant. It causes systemic infection, leading to serious metabolic disorders and significant impairment of plant development.

Host range: The virus primarily infects members of the Solanaceae family. Economically important crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are the most vulnerable. It can also persist in various wild nightshade species, which serve as a continuous reservoir for the virus during the off-season or in adjacent areas.

Symptoms and signs: Infected plants typically display distinct yellow mosaic patterns, leaf yellowing (chlorosis), and severe distortion or curling of the leaves. Infected plants show stunted growth, reduced leaf size, and lower overall vigor. The reproductive capacity is severely hampered, resulting in poor fruit set and small, often unmarketable produce.

• Yellow mosaic and mottling on foliage.
• Leaf curling and deformation.
• Stunted plant development.
• Reduced fruit production and poor quality.

Development and spread: The virus is transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The spread of the disease is highly correlated with the population density of this vector. Environmental conditions favoring whitefly outbreaks—such as warm, dry weather—lead to rapid transmission and high incidence of the disease across fields or greenhouses.

Control and prevention: Management focuses primarily on vector control. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including the use of systemic insecticides to control whitefly populations, are essential. Preventive measures also include the use of virus-free planting material, implementation of screen houses, rigorous weed control to eliminate reservoirs, and maintaining spatial isolation from older or infected crops.