Detection and Molecular Characterization of Chilli Veinal Mottle Virus (ChiVMV) in Chili from Karnataka, India

Introduction: The study aimed to characterize viral infections affecting chili plants in Karnataka, India, addressing the significant agricultural challenge posed by these infections. To tackle this problem, the study utilized multiple diagnostic methods viz., Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Direct Antigen Coating-Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (DAC-ELISA and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using specific. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of flexuous rod-shaped particles, indicative of potyviruses, in symptomatic leaf dip preparations. DAC-ELISA further confirmed the presence of potyvirus across all tested chili samples, with varying absorbance values among locations, highest in Masanige (1.66) and lowest in Dharwad (0.89). Positive reactions were consistent across all infected samples, contrasting with healthy and buffer controls. PCR using specific primers amplified a ~1.2 kb fragment from all diseased samples, confirming the presence of Chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV). This comprehensive analysis underscores the prevalence and distribution of potyviruses, particularly ChiVMV, in chili crops in Karnataka, highlighting the importance of continued surveillance and management strategies to mitigate viral impact on agricultural productivity.