Abstract

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF BEGOMOVIRUS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAF CURL DISEASE IN CHILLI.

Kumud Nigam, Shaista Suhail, Yogendra Verma, Vibha Singh, *Shalini Gupta

Abstract

Chilli is a fruit which belongs to Capsicum genus plant. It is one of the most spices used for garnishing the dishes. Capsicum is derived from the Greek word "Kapsimo" meaning "to bite". Chilli contains Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), an alkaloid substance which makes it hot to taste. Chilli is naturally susceptible to a wide range of viruses in all South Asian countries including India. Viruses can cause many important plant diseases and are responsible for huge losses in crop production and quality in all parts of the world. The Leaf curl disease in chilli is caused by Begomovirus of the family Geminiviridae.

Keywords: Begomovirus, Capsicum, capsaicin, RFLP-PCR.