Detection of a Potyvirus on Chilli

A virus disease of chilli causing mosaic mottling and vein banding. The plants infected in the younger stage showed stunted growth and fruits showed chlorotic streaks and rough skin. The virus was detected on the basis of host range,symptomatology, transmission, biophysical properties and electron microscopy. The virus has limited host range distributed in three families namely solanaceae, chenopodiaceae and leguminosae. The virus is easily mechanically sap transmissible. The virus isolate is not found to be seedbome in chilli. The dilution end point (DEP) of the virus lies between 104–105, and thermal inactivation point at 65°C and longevity in vitro (LTV) of 5 days. Electron microscopy of leaf dip preparations from infected chilli leaves showed flexuous rod shaped virus particle of 710–730 nm in length and 12–14 nm in breadth were observed. Based on symptomatology, host range, transmission, physical properties and particle morphology, the virus under study was found to be belonging to ‘potyvirus’ group.