Viral diseases

Leaf curl

• Leaves curl towards midrib and become deformed.
• Stunted plant growth due to shortened internodes and leaves greatly reduced in size.
• Flower buds abcise before attaining full size and anthers do not contain pollen grains.
• The virus is generally transmitted by whitefly. So control measures of whitefly in this regard would be helpful.

Mosaic Viruses

• Light green and dark green patches on the leaves.
• Stunted plant growth during early stages.
• Yellowing, chlorotic ring spots on leaves and fruits.

Management of viral diseases

• Control measures are not known for majority of viral diseases.
• Hence, mechanical, cultural methods are mostly recommended.
• The infected plants should be uprooted and burnt or buried to avoid further infection.
• Avoid monoculture of chilli crop.
• Selection of healthy and disease - free seed.
• Suitable insecticidal sprays reduce the incidence of viral diseases, since majority of viral diseases are transmitted by insect vectors.
• Soaking seeds in a solution containing 150 g Trisodium orthriphosphate per litre of water for 30 minutes inhibits seed - borne inoculum.
• Treated seed should be washed with fresh water and dried before sowing.
• Nursery beds should be covered with nylon net or straw to protect the seedlings from viral infection.
• Raise 2-3 rows of maize or sorghum as border crop to restrict the spread of aphid vectors.
• Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 4-5 Kg/acre in the mainfield to control sucking complex and insect vectors selectively.
• If it is not possible spray the crop with systemic insecticides. Dimethoate 2ml of Acephate 1g per litre of water.
• Collect and destroy infected virus plants as soon as they are noticed.