First record of Tomato chlorosis virus in Mauritius
In Mauritius, a survey on virus diseases was carried out in open-field and glasshouse tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) in February 2007. Yellowing symptoms on the lower and middle leaves of tomato plants, together with the presence of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci – EPPO A2 List) were observed in tomato glasshouses in Pailles (north of the island). Because symptoms resembled those of Tomato chlorosis virus (Crinivirus, ToCV – EPPO A2 List) which was detected in 2004 in Réunion, it was suspected that this virus might also occur in Mauritius. Six symptomatic tomato leaf samples were collected and tested for the presence of ToCV (PCR, comparison of sequences). ToCV was detected in all tested samples. In June 2008, the presence of typical ToCV symptoms was observed in other glasshouses, and therefore, it was considered that further studies were needed to assess the incidence of ToCV on tomato crops on the island.
The situation of Tomato chlorosis virus in Mauritius can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2007 on glasshouse tomatoes in the north of the island.
Sources
Lett JM, Hoareau M, Reynaud B, Saison A, Hostachy B, Lobin K, Benimadhu SP (2009) First report of Tomato chlorosis virus in tomato on Mauritius Island. Plant Disease 93(1), p 111.