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Wednesday June 30, 9:04 pm Eastern Time

Mystery virus devastates U.S. chili crop

LAS CRUCES, N.M., June 30 (Reuters) - A mysterious virus is expected to destroy 80 percent of the chili crop in southern New Mexico, the home of nearly half of the fiery peppers consumed in the United States, officials said on Wednesday.

State agriculture officials said it was too early to say what impact the disease, called curly top virus, would have on prices consumers pay for whole chilies as well as salsa and other chili condiments.

``It's a very significant problem, and experts are working to see what's causing it,'' said Erik Ness, spokesman for the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau.

Ness said southern New Mexico experienced heavy winds and cold during a critical time in the crop's growth period, which may have weakened the plants and made them more susceptible to diseases.

However, he said large chili fields across the border in northern Mexico experienced almost identical weather conditions but have not been stricken with the curly top virus.

Experts are wondering if insecticides, banned in the United States but still used in Mexico, may be a factor, Ness said.

The virus, which causes chilies to dry up and curl on the stalk, is affecting the whole range of chilies grown in southern New Mexico, from spicy jalapeno and cayenne to sweet bell peppers.

The vast majority of chilies consumed in the United States are home-grown, with 46 percent coming from southern New Mexico, Ness said. Last year the region's chili crop sold for $58 million.

-- chilli (peppers@sooo.hot), July 07, 1999