Spatial Assessment of Chili Leaf Curl Virus (Chilcvd) Disease Incidence, Severity and Vector (Bemisia tabaci) Population on Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important vegetable crop providing essential nutrients and a vital source of income for farmers. However, its production faces significant threats, notably from Chilli Leaf Curl Virus Disease (ChiLCVD), which is transmitted by the whitefly vector, Bemisia tabaci. A field survey was conducted in February 2020 across three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kebbi State, Nigeria: Mayama, Aliero, and Jega. Two locations were selected from each LGA, resulting in a total of six locations in key chilli producing villages (Mayama, Rafin Guzuma, Jega, Asarara, Kali, and Gulumbe). The objective was to determine the incidence, severity of ChiLCVD and the abundance of its whitefly vector. Assessments involved randomly selected symptomatic and asymptomatic chilli plants, with whiteflies counted on the terminal leaves. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel (Version 2007) and presented as bar charts. Results indicated the highest incidence of ChiLCVD in Kali village, followed by Jega, Mayama, Rafin Guzuma, and the lowest in Asarara. Kali also ranked highest in symptom severity (2.07%), disease incidence (55.33%), and whitefly population (13.63 per plant). The study concludes that the adoption of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, combined with strict field sanitation practices, offers the most effective strategy for controlling whitefly populations and mitigating the spread of ChiLCVD in farmers' fields.