Top Ten Viruses Reported on Chilly in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Chilly is a common spice crop grown in large quantities in South Asia. India produces 75% of the total chilly crop followed by Nepal at 8% and Bangladesh at 6%, where it is grown primarily by large and small-scale farmers. It can also be found in the kitchen garden. Disease and insect pests are the most significant factors affecting the production of the chilly crop. The viral disease represents a significant threat to chilly production. Recently, 68 viruses have been reported influencing the chilly crop all over the world. Chilly Leaf Curl Virus Disease, Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, Potato Virus Y, Alfalfa Mosaic Virus, Pepper Vein Mottle Virus, Beet Curl Top Virus, and Pepper Mild Mottle Virus are among the 68 viruses belonging to seven genera namely, Begomovirus, Cucumovirus, Tobamovirus, Tospovirus, Potyvirus, Alfamovirus and Curtovirus. In chilly cultivation, yield losses vary from 15 to 100%, depending on the virus. This review article is an analysis providing of top ten viruses reported in Chilly, including their geographic range, yield losses, symptomatology, transmission and management in South Asian Countries.