Diagnosis of Viral Diseases in Pepper (Capscium sp.) within Bouaké and Abidjan localities and Characterization of Associated Begomoviruses

Objective: This study aims at gaining a better understanding of Pepper Begomovirus diseases in order to improve yield in a sustainable way.

Study Design: Demonstrate the symptoms associated with viral diseases, as well as the agent responsible for this disease in peppers, in order to set up an effective and efficient control method.

Location: Abidjan and Bouaké (Côte d'Ivoire); Study duration: 12 months

Methodology: A phytosanitary survey was carried out in Abidjan and Bouaké, and symptomatic samples were collected. A total of 60 samples with single and complex viral disease symptoms were observed and collected from the two study areas. Results: The severity of symptoms observed was virtually identical in both localities, in contrast to prevalence, which was higher in the Bouaké locality. Two of the samples from Bouaké reacted positively to the PCR test for Begomovirus. The Pepper Yellows Vein Mali Virus was thus identified as a potential cause of the viral diseases observed. The sequences of this virus recorded a similarity rate of 97.16 and 99.42% with its homologues found on GenBank under accession numbers MH460532 and MH778694, respectively.

Conclusion: A clear identification of pepper pathogenic viruses could better guide the control of these viral diseases.