S-74. Molecular characterization of a begomovirus associated with leaf curl disease of chilli occurring in Tarai region of U.P., India

Chilli is an important and widely cultivated spice and vegetable crop. India is the world\’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of chillies. The most prevalent viral disease of chilli is the leaf curl disease, which is of moderate to high incidence and widely distributed in India. The observations of chilli fields indicated that there has been continuous increase in the incidence of chilli leaf curl disease resulting in the severe economic losses.

The incidence of severe leaf curl disease was observed in various cultivars of chilli (Capsicum annuum) during a survey conducted in various locations of Tarai region in Uttar Pradesh, northern India. The infected plants of chilli were colleted and maintained in glasshouse. The causative pathogen was identified as a Begomovirus by PCR using Begomovirus specific primers and Southern hybridization with a probe prepared from the cloned DNA of a well-known Begomovirus. Further, we have cloned and sequenced the coat protein (CP) and replication protein (Rep) region of DNA-A component of begomovirus isolates. The analysis of sequence data of the virus isolates at CP and Rep level revealed highest identities and close phylogenetic relationships with Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus. Bipartite nature of these begomovirus isolates was also confirmed by successful amplification and sequencing of the movement protein (MP) gene region of DNA-B component. On the basis of highest identities and close phylogenetic relationships the begomovirus associated with leaf curl disease of chilli was identified as strain of Tomato leaf curl New Delhi.