Identification of a novel begomovirus betasatellite and occurrence of a viral complex associated with leaf curl disease in Bhut Jolokia in Assam

Bhut Jolokia ( Capsicum chinense Jacq.) is one of the hottest chillies and an economically important crop in the northeastern regions of India. A major problem in the cultivation of Bhut Jolokia is the occurrence of leaf curl disease, which causes huge annual economic losses. The present study reveals the viral complex associated with the leaf curl disease in Bhut Jolokia collected from different geographical locations in Assam. A novel begomovirus betasatellite component was identified in two Bhut Jolokia samples, which was phylogenetically distinct from known begomovirus betasatellites. DAS-ELISA and PCR analysis confirmed the presence of multiple plant viruses including Chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Potato virus Y (PVY) and Tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) in most of the naturally infected Bhut Jolokia samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the coat protein ( CP ) gene of ChiLCVs and ToLCVs were highly conserved compared to the CP of CMV.