**1. Introduction**

Peppers (*Capsicum* spp.) are one of the most important spices and vegetable crops in the economic and social life of people living worldwide [1]. Viruses are among the most important factors threatening *Capsicum* spp. production in several regions like Australia [2], Europe [3], Asia [4] and Africa [5]. They cause diseases that not only reduce yield and quality of fruits, but also increase the cost of preventive measures and cost of producing clean planting materials. In addition, the high genetic diversity of virus strains and their accumulation in propagation materials makes them easily spread into unaffected areas [6].

In Africa, more than 45 viruses (grouped into eight genera namely, *Potyvirus*, *Tospovirus*, *Begomovirus*, *Cucumovirus*, *Tobamovirus*, *Polerovirus*, *Alfamovirus* and *Potexvirus*) have been identified to infect pepper crops causing reduced quality and marketable yield, sometimes up to 100% [7]. The major viruses of *Capsicum* spp. include *Pepper veinal mottle virus* (PVMV), *Chilli veinal mottle virus* (ChiVMV), *Potato virus Y* (PVY), *Tobacco etch virus* (TEV), *Tobacco mosaic virus* (TMV), *Tomato mosaic virus* (ToMV), *Pepper mild mottle virus* (PMMoV), *Pepper leaf curl virus*

(PepLCV), *Tomato yellow leaf curl virus* (TYLCV), *Cucumber mosaic virus* (CMV), *Alfalfa mosaic virus* (AMV) and *Tomato spotted wilt virus* (TSWV) while other viruses of minor importance include *Pepper vein yellows virus* (PeVYV) and *Potato virus X* (PVX) [8]. These viruses are mainly vectored by aphids, whitefly or thrips during feeding probes. However, mechanical transmission and seed transmission are efficient means for the spread of infection. Typical symptoms induced by viruses infecting *Capsicum* spp. include stunting, curling and mottling of foliage and fruits. Symptoms can vary significantly with cultivar, plant age, virus isolate and environmental condition. In recent years, co-infection of previously nonexistent virus strains is most devastating [7].

The increasing outbreaks of virus species infecting *Capsicum* spp. have become a major problem for growers in many countries including Ghana, Uganda, Mali, Cameroon, Morocco and Nigeria [9, 10]. This is due to a combination of factors, including expansion and intensification of pepper cultivation, availability of volunteer hosts, abundance of insect vectors and climate change [6, 11]. Many techniques are used to minimize viral infections in *Capsicum* spp., but are successful when they begin prior to planting of the crop. Current management options for virus infection in *Capsicum* spp. is by the integration of several approaches. These include use of protected nurseries, cultivation of disease resistant varieties and ensuring adequate phyto-sanitary conditions after transplanting.

Generally, eco-friendly management measures are needful to reduce occurrence of virus diseases in *Capsicum* spp. and decrease the rate of spread of same into unaffected regions. This is important because of the need for increased international movement and exchange of pepper germplasm. This will also facilitate the selection and breeding for improved *Capsicum* spp. adapted to local conditions and uses. Therefore, there is need for a review of viruses infecting *Capsicum* spp., their symptoms, mode of transmission and management options.
