An extensive survey was carried out to record the incidence and severity of Chilli Leaf Curl Disease (ChiLCD) in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. During the survey, the infected chilli plants were shown different symptoms viz., upward curling of leaves, crinkling of leaves, reduced leaf surface, shortening of internodes, bushy appearance of plants and stunted plant growth. Chilli plants showing the above symptoms were collected from Kasilingapuram, Koonarkulam, Peikulam, Pudhur pandiyapuram, Solapuram, Ettayapuram villages of Thoothukudi district, Vallioor, Panangudi, Thalavaipuram, Radhapuram, Kalakudi, Kavalkinaru villages of Tirunelveli district, Athiyuthu, Pavoor chathiram, Keezhapavur villages of Tenkasi district, Peraiyur, Kamuthi, Keelasirupothu, Sadaiyaneri, Mudhukulathur, Idhampadal villages of Ramanathapuram district. Among the surveyed area, ChiLCD incidence was recorded from 16.00 - 85.50 per cent and disease severity was recorded from 10.90 - 60.30 per cent. The highest disease incidence (85.50 %) and disease severity (60.3 %) was recorded in Kalakudi village of Tirunelveli District. The lowest disease incidence (16.00%) and disease severity (10.90%) was recorded in Peikulam village of Thoothukudi District.

Chilli, ChiLCD, Begomovirus

The disease incidence was observed in vegetable growing areas of southern districts of Tamil Nadu. Among the different districts surveyed, maximum disease incidence and disease severity of Chilli leaf curl virus was observed in Tirunelveli district and the lowest disease incidence and disease severity was observed in Thoothukudi district. ChiLCD produced systemic symptoms of upward curling of leaves, crinkling of leaves, puckering of leaf reduced leaf surface, shortening of internodes, bushy appearance of plants and severe stunting of plants.

Muthamil Kumaran J., Rajinimala N., Theradimani M., Elanchezhyan K., M.I. Manivannan M.I., Ebenezar E. G. and Sheela J. (2023). Occurrence of Chilli Leaf Curl Disease (ChiLCD) in southern Districts of Tamil Nadu. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8): 206-210.