Author(s): Dr. M Lakshmi Naga Nandini, Dr. CH Ruth and Dr. M Ravindra Babu

Abstract: In 2023, surveys were carried out in key bell pepper cultivation regions of the Andhra Pradesh district to gather virus isolates for analysis. The virus responsible was identified based on its symptoms, how it spreads, and through serological and molecular investigations. Affected plants exhibited stunted growth, dwarfism, and concentric chlorotic ringspot symptoms on their leaves. Infected bell pepper fruits showed deformities with nailhead symptoms, or ripe fruits displayed pale yellow ringspots of various colours. Samples showing characteristic symptoms were gathered and employed to inoculate healthy bell pepper plants. Serological testing using Tospo (I, II, III) and CaCV antisera via DAS-ELISA identified the virus as Capsicum chlorosis orthotospovirus (CaCV), as it reacted solely with CaCV antisera. Further molecular analysis, including RT-PCR, confirmed the virus's identity as Capsicum chlorosis orthotospovirus.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i5b.1063