Ecology, epidemiology and control of pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV), genus Potyvirus, in West Africa

Pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV), genus Potyvirus, is a RNA containing virus with flexuous particles, 770 nm long and 12 nm wide. PVMV is prevalent in Africa and Asia causing great losses (54.5-64.3%) in chilli and sweet peppers. It is transmitted non-persistently by several species of aphids. It has a moderately wide host range and there are several strains. The weed hosts are Solanum nigrum L. and Physalis angulata L. There was a positive correlation between the number of alatae aphids trapped in a pepper field and the incidence of PVMV. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices include the use of resistant cultivars, removal of weed hosts, roguing of early infected peppers, early planting, close spacing and the use of barrier crops. Future research needs are discussed.