Pepper golden mosaic

Pepper golden mosaic is a significant viral disease caused by the Pepper golden mosaic virus (PepGMV), a member of the Begomovirus genus. This pathogen causes physiological disorders in plants, leading to a substantial decrease in agricultural productivity and quality of produce.

The virus primarily affects solanaceous crops, with sweet and chili peppers being the most vulnerable. Other plants, including tomatoes and various weed species, can serve as alternative hosts, making the management of the virus quite challenging in agricultural environments.

Symptoms are manifested through distinct chlorotic golden mottling or mosaic patterns on the foliage. As the disease progresses, leaves become severely crinkled and stunted. Infected plants typically exhibit shortened internodes and produce small, deformed, or discolored fruits.

The disease is transmitted by the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). The virus enters the plant system through the whitefly's feeding process. The spread of the disease is highly correlated with the population density of the vector, which thrives in warm, dry weather conditions.

Effective control strategies focus on minimizing the vector population and implementing strict sanitation practices. Growers should prioritize the use of certified healthy seedlings, maintain weed-free zones around the fields, and deploy integrated pest management (IPM) to control whitefly populations throughout the growing season.