Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab
Pepper yellows disease on pepper (Capsicum spp.)
SCIENTIFIC NAME of causal agent: Pepper vein yellows virus (PeVYV; genus Polerovirus; family Luteoviridae)
DISEASE DESCRIPTION
SYMPTOMS: The most prominent symptoms interveinal yellowing (yellowing between veins) and vein clearing (leaf veins become unnaturally clear or translucent). Leaf curling or other foliar deformations may be exhibited, along with reduced sized leaves. Fruits on diseased plants may also be distorted. Affected plants may resemble nutrient deficiencies or other environmental problems, requiring confirmation by a trained diagnostician or a testing lab (see Resources below)
BIOLOGY: The virus has achieved worldwide distribution, including Texas, possibly through seed borne transmission and infected planting stock. Research has shown that once introduced into a region, the virus may be spread from diseased to healthy plants by aphids (Aphis gossypii). The virus may be able to survive overwinter, in the absence of a crop, in weeds or other plant species but more information is needed to determine the host range of the virus in Texas.
MANAGEMENT METHODS: A proper diagnosis is the first step in managing this pepper virus. Only seed from healthy pepper crops should be used. Therefore, if available, only certified seed should be used for planting. Healthy seedlings should be selected for planting, and plants should be constantly monitored for the appearance of symptoms and destroyed immediately. Registered insecticides should be used in the event that aphids are detected on the peppers. There is currently no information available on potentially resistant pepper cultivars.
RESOURCE LINKS:
https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/full/10.1094/PDIS-03-15-0329-PDN
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128012468000068
Authored by Dr. David Appel, Professor & Extension Specialist
