A new virus has emerged in Spain, known as the Pepper whitefly-borne vein yellows virus, or Polerovirus PEWBVYV – PeWBVYV.
According HortiDaily, first identified in Israel in 2016, the virus emerged in Spain in 2024, affecting bell pepper crops. Interestingly, when it was discovered in January, there was no evidence of aphids as vectors – unusual for viruses of this type. Instead, it’s been confirmed that the virus is transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci.
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Lab analysis of the Spanish cases revealed a mixed infection involving both PeVYV and PeWBVYV. As of March 2025, approximately 1,000 hectares of pepper cultivation – out of a total 10,000 hectares – were estimated to be infected across the regions of El Ejido, Roquetas de Mar, and Níjar.
This update was published in the April 2025 issue of the EPPO Reporting Service.
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