Solanum-tainoense leaf curl virus

Begomovirus solanumtainoense is a plant viral pathogen belonging to the Begomovirus genus within the Geminiviridae family. It is a single-stranded DNA virus that requires specific insect vectors for transmission, posing a significant threat to global vegetable production in warm climates.

The host range of this virus is primarily restricted to the Solanaceae family. Economically important crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are highly susceptible to infection, which can lead to severe crop losses, stunted growth, and the total failure of fruit set if the infection occurs at an early stage of development.

Common symptoms include distinctive yellow mosaic patterns, leaf curling, and yellowing of leaf margins. Infected plants often exhibit shortened internodes and a bushy appearance due to excessive side-shoot proliferation, while fruits may be undersized, malformed, or show signs of abnormal ripening, rendering them unmarketable.

The virus spread is entirely dependent on the presence and feeding activity of the tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). The epidemiology of the disease is favored by high ambient temperatures and dry conditions, which promote the rapid colonization of whiteflies and facilitate the efficient acquisition and inoculation of the virus.

Management of the disease is challenging and relies on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies due to the lack of direct curative treatments for infected plants. Essential protective measures include:

• Strict vector control programs, including the use of systemic insecticides and biological control agents.
• Installation of insect-proof netting in greenhouses to exclude whitefly populations.
• Early detection and roguing of symptomatic plants to minimize viral inoculum in the field.
• Management of weed hosts in and around the farm to eliminate natural viral reservoirs.
• Application of reflective mulches that deter insect vectors from settling on young seedlings.