8 - Relationship of insect vectors with plant viruses infecting Capsicum

Abstract

Capsicum, also referred to as bell pepper or chili pepper, is a member of the Solanaceae plant family. Within this genus, there are several different species of chili peppers, each with unique characteristics and uses. It includes over 35 species, of which 5 have been domesticated: Capsicum annum, Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum pubescens. C. annum is one of the domesticated species that is grown all over the world (Carrizo García et al., 2016). Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are economically essential and include both the pungent (chili or hot pepper) and nonpungent (sweet pepper) types. Pepper fruits are primarily grown for use as fresh vegetables (hot and sweet peppers), dried spices (paprika, chili powder), food colorings and flavorings, and the extraction of various compounds for industrial or medical uses. Aphids, thrips, and whiteflies are the most prevalent sucking insect pests, greatly restricting the cultivation of peppers worldwide. In addition to causing direct damage, sucking pests can spread viral diseases to crops, which can result in significant yield losses (Lawrence et al., 2000). Several insects act as vectors to transmit viruses from one plant to another. Cultivated peppers are typically thought to be relatively vulnerable to a large number of viral infections. Around 95% of these plant viruses are transmitted by aphids, thrips, whiteflies, leafhoppers, and plant hoppers. Relationships of plant viruses with insect vectors are specific and are have been a fascinating area of research for decades.