Penulis: Selvi Helina (NPM 2434171013) dan Darwin H. Pangaribuan (NIDN 0013016302), Mahasiswa Pascasarjan dan Dosen Jurusan Agronomi Hortikultura, Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Lampung
"Begomovirus is one of the pathogens that poses a serious threat to horticultural crops, especially in tropical areas like Indonesia. The diseases caused by this virus exhibit symptoms such as curling, mosaic, yellowing, and stunting, which result in a decline in the quality and quantity of harvests"
Introduction
Begomovirus is one of the pathogens that poses a serious threat to horticultural crops, especially in tropical areas like Indonesia. The diseases caused by this virus exhibit symptoms such as curling, mosaic, yellowing, and stunting, which result in a decline in the quality and quantity of harvests, thus impacting farmers' economies and food stability (Lapidot & Friedmann, 2002). The spread of Begomovirus is transmitted by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), which are difficult to control due to the highly adaptive and reproductive nature of these vector insects (Navas-Castillo et al., 2011). The increased use of pesticides to control Begomovirus vectors is often the solution taken; however, this approach has negative effects on the environment, health, and ecosystem balance. Therefore, more sustainable and environmentally friendly strategies are needed to control this disease.
One intriguing isapproach  the use of weak virus isolates as a cross-protection implementation to control Begomovirus (Mubin et al., 2012). Weak isolates are virus variants with low virulence that can induce resistance in plants without causing damaging symptoms (Kumar & Ramesh, 2016). This cross-protection can inhibit infections by more virulent virus isolates, allowing plants to grow and produce normally (Figure 2) (Mubin et al., 2012). This approach is not only effective in reducing the intensity of virus attacks but also decreases reliance on chemical pesticides, ultimately supporting more environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
By using weak isolates as a tool to control Begomovirus, agricultural systems can transform towards more sustainable practices. This innovation aligns with the principles of sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the efficient use of resources, maintaining ecosystem health, and enhancing the welfare of farmers.
The Use of Mild Strain to Control Begomovirus
Begomovirus is a member of the Geminiviridae family with the potential to cause serious diseases in horticultural crops, including chili and tomato (Varma & Malathi, 2003). This virus is widely distributed in various tropical and subtropical regions, and its transmission is facilitated by the insect vector whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in a semi-persistent manner (Lapidot & Friedmann, 2002). Begomovirus infections cause a range of symptoms such as leaf mosaic, chlorosis, and curling that hinder plant growth and significantly impact yields. Diseases caused by Begomovirus are highly challenging because the virus adapts quickly to the environment and exhibits high genetic variability (Fauquet & Stanley, 2003).
Cross-protection using weak isolates has emerged as a promising strategy for controlling plant viruses, including Begomovirus. Weak isolates are virus variants with low virulence that, when infecting plants, stimulate a resistance response without causing severe symptoms (Kumar & Ramesh, 2016). This strategy aims to stimulate the plant's natural resistance, making it difficult for stronger or more virulent virus isolates to infect. A study by Fauquet and Stanley (2003) showed that infection with weak isolates in several plants provided significant protection against attacks from virulent Begomovirus isolates. Cross-protection allows plants to continue growing and producing normally, which directly supports increased harvest yields.
Controlling Begomovirus with weak isolates is not only effective but also supports sustainable agricultural practices. The use of weak isolates as a cross-protection tool reduces farmers' reliance on chemical pesticides to control virus vectors (Pappu & Pappu, 2001). Excessive pesticide use is known to disrupt ecosystem balance, increase pest resistance, and pollute the environment. In this regard, cross-protection offers a more environmentally friendly solution, supporting sustainability and the health of agricultural ecosystems.
The application of cross-protection in horticultural crops is highly relevant in the context of sustainable agriculture. In addition to reducing pesticide needs, this technique also has positive impacts on production costs. Farmers can decrease expenditures on vector control and plant care while maintaining stable production yields. In several countries, such as India and the Philippines, cross-protection approaches have begun to be widely adopted, and the results show increased farmer income as well as stability in horticultural production, particularly for chili and tomato crops.
Conclusion
