Screening of Solanaceous Plants for Resistance and Tolerance to Widespread Begomoviruses in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Solanaceous fruits are economically important and contribute to food security worldwide. Despite this importance, solanaceous crops are confronted with constraints, including begomoviruses. In Burkina Faso, the pepper yellow vein Mali virus (PepYVMLV) and the tomato leaf curl Mali virus (ToLCMLV) have been reported to be the most widespread begomoviruses. They are responsible for leaf deformation and yellowing in Solanaceae crops. The use of resistant/tolerant accessions would be of help in finding suitable solutions. This study aims to contribute to the appropriate and effective management of solanaceous diseases due to begomoviruses. To achieve this objective, an inventory of solanaceous accessions sold and produced in the western region of Burkina Faso and a screening of the preferred accessions were conducted in semi controlled conditions. Our results showed that twenty-seven accessions, including two newly introduced ones, were identified, with Mongal F1, Jaune du Burkina, and Simbad F1 being the most preferred.  Preferred solanaceous plants were monitored for 39 days after whitefly-mediated transmission. The hot pepper Jaune du Burkina exhibited mild symptoms with an infection rate of 66%, while the tomato Mongal F1 and the sweet pepper Simbad F1 showed disease with severe symptoms with infection rates ranging from 33% to 100%. When the behaviors of newly introduced accessions were compared to most preferred accessions, the results indicated that the newly introduced accessions (Mona F1 and Ganga) showed mild symptoms, suggesting potential tolerance despite high infection rates. Howerever, it is suitable to access the impact of viruses on the productivity of these accessions.