Pepper golden mosaic

Pepper golden mosaic virus (PepGMV) is a plant pathogenic virus classified within the genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae. It is a single-stranded DNA virus that exclusively infects plant species within the Solanaceae family.

The taxonomic structure of the virus features a twin-particle (geminate) capsid. The virus relies on the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, as its sole natural vector to move between host plants.

The life cycle involves the virus being ingested by the whitefly, circulating through the insect's hemolymph, and being transmitted to healthy host plants during feeding in the phloem. This process is known as persistent circulative transmission.

Environmental conditions that favor the rapid reproduction of whiteflies, such as high temperatures and humidity, significantly accelerate the spread of the virus. Greenhouse environments often provide year-round conditions for the virus to persist.

Understanding the biology of the virus is essential for modern agriculture, as it cannot be treated with antiviral chemicals, and management must focus entirely on preventing vector-mediated transmission.

The virus causes severe damage to bell peppers, chili peppers, and various tomato varieties worldwide. It results in stunted plant growth and a drastic reduction in fruit quality, often rendering the crop unmarketable.

In cases of early infection, plants suffer from complete physiological breakdown. The resulting lack of proper nutrient transport within the plant tissues leads to minimal fruit set and poor developmental outcomes for the entire field.

The most prominent sign is a bright golden-yellow mosaic pattern on the leaves, combined with severe curling and crinkling. Affected leaves often exhibit chlorosis that interferes with photosynthesis.

Systemic infection manifests as internode shortening and overall plant dwarfing. Fruit development is negatively impacted, showing symptoms such as size reduction, spotting, and necrotic tissue formations.

Effective control requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach centered on whitefly suppression. The use of fine-mesh insect screens in greenhouses is highly recommended to block entry.

• Regular inspection for whitefly populations.
• Application of systemic insecticides at early growth stages.
• Removal and destruction of infected plant debris.
• Elimination of reservoir weeds near crop production sites.
• Utilization of resistant or tolerant pepper hybrids.

Cultural practices such as crop rotation and the implementation of host-free periods are also critical to lowering the local inoculum pressure and maintaining healthy harvests.