Solanum tenuimusivi begomovirus

The pathogen is identified as a member of the Begomovirus genus within the Geminiviridae family. These viruses are characterized by a single-stranded circular DNA genome. As an obligate parasite, the virus requires host cellular machinery to replicate, causing severe physiological disturbances that classify the infection as a systemic viral disease.

This virus primarily targets crops within the Solanaceae family. Economically significant hosts include tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. In many regions, the virus is also documented in various weed species, which serve as crucial reservoirs, maintaining the viral presence in the ecosystem throughout the year.

Symptoms of the infection typically include a fine mosaic pattern on leaves, leaf curling, chlorosis, and stunted plant growth. Infected plants often show significant deformation of foliage and abnormal development of fruits. These symptoms reduce the photosynthetic capacity of the plant and lead to major declines in both fruit quality and marketable yield.

The virus is transmitted in a persistent, circulative manner by its primary vector, the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Development and spread are highly favored by warm, humid conditions that support large populations of the insect vector. Once the whitefly feeds on an infected plant, it remains a carrier for the rest of its life, effectively spreading the disease across crops.

Management and prevention require strict integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Key practices include:

• Cultivating resistant or tolerant crop varieties.
• Implementation of regular monitoring and control of whitefly populations.
• Strict removal and destruction of infected symptomatic plants.
• Sanitization of equipment and greenhouses to prevent mechanical spread.
• Management of wild hosts in the surrounding landscape.