Question

Chilli leaf curl virus is transmitted by
(A) Frankliniella occidentalis
(B) Bemisia tabaci
(C) Myzus persicae
(D) Eriophyes indidiosus

• (A) and (B) only.
• (A) and (C) only.
• (B) only.
• (B) and (C) only.

Hint:

Think of "Leaf Curl" and "Whitefly" as an inseparable pair for most tropical crops like Tomato, Chilli, and Cotton.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Chilli leaf curl is one of the most devastating diseases of chillies in the tropics. It is caused by a Begomovirus (Gemini virus).
Begomoviruses are characterized by their strict relationship with a specific insect vector.
Detailed Explanation:
The Chilli Leaf Curl Virus (ChiLCV) is exclusively transmitted by the Whitefly, {Bemisia tabaci.
The transmission is persistent and circulative (non-propagative).
The whitefly acquires the virus by feeding on the phloem of infected plants and can transmit it for several days.
- Frankliniella occidentalis (Thrips) transmits Tospoviruses, not Leaf Curl.
- Myzus persicae (Aphid) transmits many mosaic viruses but is not the vector for Chilli Leaf Curl.
- Eriophyes is a genus of mites.
Chilli plants often suffer from "Murda" complex, which is a combination of viral leaf curl (Whitefly vector) and physical leaf curling caused by thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) and mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus).
However, the actual "Leaf Curl Virus" is strictly a whitefly-borne disease.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The vector is (B) only.