First report of Pepino mosaic virus in South Africa
In 2008, uneven discoloration was observed on tomato fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum) at the Pretoria fresh food market in South Africa. These tomatoes had been produced from the Limpopo Province. Samples of symptomatic fruits from the different suppliers of the Limpopo Province, as well as tomato leaves from farms of this region were collected and tested (DAS-ELISA, inoculation of tomato cv. Rooikhaki seedlings) for the presence of Pepino mosaic virus (Potexvirus – PepMV – EPPO Alert List). The occurrence of this virus was confirmed in most tested fruit and leaf samples. This is the first time that PepMV is reported from South Africa. Although further studies are needed to evaluate the incidence and distribution of PepMV in South Africa, it is noted that appropriate phytosanitary measures are urgently needed to limit its spread and impact.
Sources
Carmichael DJ, Rey MEC, Naidoo S, Cook G, van Heerden SW (2011) First report of Pepino mosaic virus infecting tomato in South Africa. Plant Disease 95(6), 767-767.