Characterization of Begomovirus and Potyvirus causing mixed infections on chili plant (Capsicum frutescens L.) in South Lampung, Indonesia

Abstract

Importance of the work: Chili (Capsicum frutescens L.) productivity in Indonesia is
threatened by mixed virus infections that complicate diagnosis and control
Objectives: To characterize viruses associated with symptomatic C. frutescens plants in
South Lampung using molecular techniques.
Materials and Methods: DNA and RNA were extracted from infected samples and
subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification using specific primers targeting
Begomovirus and Potyvirus. Sequencing was followed by homology analysis using the
Basic Local Alignment Search Tool. In addition, phylogenetic analysis was conducted
and pathogenicity tests were performed on healthy chili plants.
Results: The presence was confirmed of both Begomovirus and Potyvirus in the analyzed
samples, with no amplification detected for specific primers of Cucumber mosaic virus
or Tobacco Infectious Chlorosis Virus. The Begomovirus isolate shared 93% identity
with Pepper Yellow Leaf Curl Virus from Kertha, Indonesia. The Potyvirus isolate had
100% identity with Potato Virus Y from Ukraine. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed these
relationships. The pathogenicity tests identified symptoms ranging from mild to severe
mosaicing, leaf curling and chlorosis.
Main finding: The occurrence was confirmed of mixed infections involving Begomovirus
and Potyvirus in C. frutescens from South Lampung, Indonesia and highlighted the
importance of molecular diagnostics in understanding virus diversity and supporting
disease control strategies.