Solanum punense begomovirus

Begomovirus solanumpunense is a viral pathogen belonging to the Geminiviridae family. As a whitefly-transmitted virus, it poses a significant threat to agriculture, specifically to crops within the Solanaceae family. The pathogen is characterized by its ability to cause severe systemic infections, altering the hormonal balance and structural integrity of affected host plants.

The primary hosts for this virus are solanaceous crops, with tomatoes, peppers, and various wild relatives serving as the most common targets. The virus is capable of persisting in perennial weed hosts, which often act as silent reservoirs that allow the pathogen to survive during the off-season and reappear with the onset of favorable climatic conditions.

Key diagnostic symptoms include:

• severe leaf curling and crinkling;
• pronounced yellow mosaic patterns on foliage;
• stunted growth leading to reduced plant height;
• significant reduction in yield due to flower drop and fruit deformity.

The virus is exclusively transmitted by the whitefly complex, most notably Bemisia tabaci, in a circulative persistent manner. The insect acquires the virus after feeding on infected tissues and remains a vector for the duration of its lifespan. Rapid spread is typically observed in regions with intensive cultivation cycles and high ambient temperatures that favor rapid whitefly population growth.

Management of Begomovirus solanumpunense relies heavily on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Key strategies include the rigorous control of whitefly populations using targeted insecticides, the implementation of physical barriers like fine-mesh greenhouse screens, the removal of alternative weed hosts, and the deployment of resistant or tolerant cultivars in areas with high disease pressure.