Mosaic complex

Chilli crop is attacked by a large number of pathogens but heavy losses are caused due to viruses. Several viral diseases attack this crop and induce mild to severe mosaic, yellow mosaic, mosaic mottle, leaf curl, leaf roll, bushy stunt and necrosis symptoms.

Damage symptoms:

• Symptoms vary with the virus TMV


• Raised blisters and mottled areas of light and dark green areas on the foliage


• Leaves point towards ground


• Necrotic spots on stem


• Fruit ripens unevenly and is reduced in size CMV


• Reduction in leaf size and narrowing of lamina Chlorosis leading to mosaic symptoms


• Downward curling along with midrib


• Fruit may be small and distorted, on volunteer Chilli plants and on infected plant debris.

Survival and spread:

TMV:

• Primary: Externally seed borne virus particles


• Secondary: Mechanically transmitted virus particles.

CMV:

• Primary: Externally seed borne virus particles to some extent and vector transmitted from other and collateral hosts


• Secondary: Virus particles transmitted by aphid vectors, Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii, A. craccivora

Favourable conditions:

• Moist weather and splattering rains


• High humidity or persistent dew