Solanum sudanense leaf curl virus

Pathogen and disease type. Begomovirus solanumsudanense is a plant pathogenic virus belonging to the Geminiviridae family. It is characterized by a circular single-stranded DNA genome. The disease causes systemic infection in host plants, leading to severe physiological disruption and impairment of the plant's vascular network.

Affected crops. This virus primarily infects plants within the Solanaceae family. Economically significant crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are the most vulnerable. Additionally, various wild solanaceous weed species can serve as asymptomatic reservoirs, facilitating the survival of the virus throughout the year.

Symptoms and signs. The hallmark symptoms include severe leaf curling, distortion, and a characteristic mosaic pattern. Infected plants typically show stunted growth, chlorosis along the leaf veins, and reduced vigor. Fruit set is often significantly affected, resulting in misshapen, small, or discolored produce that lacks market value.

Development and spread. The virus is transmitted in a persistent manner by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The spread of the disease is strictly correlated with the vector population density. High temperatures and dry conditions favor the proliferation of whiteflies, which increases the incidence of viral transmission in both open fields and greenhouses.

Harmfulness and protection measures. The disease poses a severe threat to agricultural productivity, potentially causing total crop failure. Management focuses on preventing the entry and spread of the vector.

• Implement rigorous whitefly control programs using systemic and contact insecticides.
• Use physical barriers like insect-proof netting in greenhouse production.
• Sanitize field borders by removing weeds that act as virus reservoirs.
• Adopt resistant or tolerant cultivars to mitigate the economic impact of the virus.