Effect of SAR chemicals and thermotherapeutic treatment in the elimination of viruses from Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) is one of the important chilli landraces native to North Eastern Region of India which was formerly recognized as the world’s hottest pepper in 2007 by the Guinness World Record. Bhut jolokia contains 3-5 percent more capsaicin in comparison to other chilli species found in India. Bhut Jolokia has been reported to be attacked by various pathogens more specifically by many viruses among which the Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCV) and Potato Virus Y (PVY) are the important one hindering its cultivation. In the present study thermotherapeutic treatment of Bhut Jolokia seeds and application of SAR chemicals in the Bhut Jolokia seedlings was evaluated in the elimination of viruses from Bhut Jolokia. Hot water treatment of CMV-infected Bhut Jolokia seeds at 50 °C for 120 minutes proved to be beneficial resulting in minimum the disease incidence. Foliar application of Salicylic acid at 300 ppm concentration and Benzothiadiazole at 400 ppm concentration was very much effective in reducing the severity and incidence of the viral diseases.