Geminiviruses of tomatoes in Martinique and Guadeloupe (EU)
A new geminivirus of Solanaceae has been reported from Martinique (EU). In Martinique the disease was found for the first time in August 1992 in the main tomato producing area of the island. Yield losses were estimated worth 2.9 million FRF. Symptoms on tomato were distinguishable from other geminiviruses and consisted of stunting of tomato plants as well as leaf curling and yellowing. Associated yield losses were important. The authors assume that the virus is vectored by B. tabaci (EPPO A2 quarantine pest). First suggestions on the identity of this geminivirus in Martinique assume that it is related or identical with tomato mottle geminivirus or chino del tomate geminivirus from Florida (US) and Mexico, respectively.
In June 1993 a geminivirus was also found on tomato ;crops on the island of Guadeloupe (EU).
Sources
Hostachy, B.; Allex, D. (1993) Un Geminivirus de la tomate transmis par Bemisia tabaci.
Phytoma No. 456, 1993 (12), 24-28.