*2.2.1.1 Management of TMV*

Management of TMV can be achieved through careful handling of plants, disinfection of farm tools, eradication of infected plants and treatment of seeds with 10% trisodium phosphate (TSP). The use of resistant cultivar to TMV infection has

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planting [13].

**2.3 Genus:** *Begomovirus*

*Management of Viruses and Viral Diseases of Pepper (*Capsicum *spp.) in Africa*

been demonstrated in Nigeria [33]. Also, healthy seed-testing and 2-year minimum crop rotation is advisable. *Capsicum* spp. should not be planted alongside other

*Tomato mosaic virus* (ToMV) has a worldwide distribution and is often endemic in African countries such as Uganda, Zambia and Cameroon [29]. The virus is one of the most resilient viruses in terms of its ability to survive outside plant cells and dead tissues. *Tomato mosaic virus* is known to infect more than 150 economically important crop species, including vegetables and ornamental plants. Natural mode of spread of ToMV is by contact with infected sap but it is also being transmitted mechanically during farming operations [6]. The occurrence of ToMV is more predominant in pepper than TMV even though both virus species produce similar symptoms on pepper. Typical symptoms include severe stunting of plants with chlorotic mosaic patterns on leaves and fruits [34]. Additional symptoms may vary depending on the plant age, virus strain and environmental condition. These include distorted leaves, which often occur with premature defoliation and necrotic (brown) patches on leaves and fruits [35].

Management options for ToMV include rotation to non-host plants after an infection outbreak. The use of resistant varieties coupled with improved cultural practices can help to improve production especially in endemic areas. Disinfection of screen-house soils, planting tools and containers ensures clean planting materials in the nursery. After transplanting, careful handling of healthy seedlings while removing symptomatic ones can reduce spread of the virus. Sterilizing seeds with

*Pepper mild mottle virus* (PMMoV) has been widely reported in some African countries including Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria and Ghana. It has been shown to infect up to 24 other plant species including *Solanaceae*, *Chenopodiaceae*, *Cucurbitaceae*, *Labiatae* and *Plantaginaceae* [29, 23]. In cultivated pepper plants, PMMoV can be transmitted through seed and contact with infected plant sap [37]. Seedlings can also be infected by mechanical contamination during transplanting or other cultural routine. *Pepper mild mottle virus* persists in soil and on infected debris, which serve as primary source of inoculum for subsequent planting. Symptoms of PMMoV include various degrees of leaf mottling, leaf mosaic, leaf chlorosis, necrosis, leaf curl and growth decline. These symptoms are more pro-

Treatment of *Capsicum* spp. seeds with 10% TSP for 2.5 hours (h) reduces the incidence of PMMoV. Other management options include sterilization of soil before planting, especially in screen-houses and ensuring good field hygiene after trans-

The genus *Begomovirus* comprises monopartite or bipartite plant viruses that infect a wide range of crops throughout the world. Viruses in this genus are

10% TSP can help remove ToMV present on the seed coat [36].

*2.2.3* Pepper mild mottle virus *(PMMoV)*

nounced in young plants than in older plants [38].

*2.2.3.1 Management of PMMoV*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92266*

susceptible crops such as tomato and potato.

*2.2.2* Tomato mosaic virus *(ToMV)*

*2.2.2.1 Management of ToMV*

#### *Management of Viruses and Viral Diseases of Pepper (*Capsicum *spp.) in Africa DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92266*

been demonstrated in Nigeria [33]. Also, healthy seed-testing and 2-year minimum crop rotation is advisable. *Capsicum* spp. should not be planted alongside other susceptible crops such as tomato and potato.
