Vinca begomovirus

Vinca begomovirus (Begomovirus vincae) is a significant viral pathogen belonging to the Geminiviridae family. As a DNA virus, it targets host plant cells to replicate, causing systemic infection that disrupts plant physiological processes, growth cycles, and overall vitality of the susceptible plant species.

The primary mode of transmission is through the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). This insect acts as a persistent vector, acquiring the virus during sap feeding. Once infected, the whitefly can transmit the pathogen to healthy plants for the duration of its life, turning agricultural areas into zones of high infection risk.

Key symptoms include severe leaf chlorosis, mosaic patterns, leaf curling, and stunted growth. The plant architecture is often compromised, with shortened internodes and deformed flowers. These clinical signs are particularly devastating for ornamental crops like *Vinca* and *Catharanthus*, rendering them unsalable due to the persistent visual damage.

Epidemiological development is heavily influenced by environmental factors that favor vector proliferation. High ambient temperatures and greenhouse conditions accelerate whitefly reproduction, facilitating the rapid spread of the virus. Furthermore, alternative weed hosts serve as a vital reservoir for the pathogen during the off-season, ensuring its survival.

Preventative management is essential because there is no chemical cure for infected plants. Protection focuses on excluding the vector and sanitation. Recommendations include:

• Implementation of insect-proof netting on greenhouse ventilation systems.
• Deployment of yellow sticky traps to detect early whitefly populations.
• Strict rogueing of symptomatic plants to minimize viral inoculum.
• Integrated pest management (IPM) to control vector populations systematically.