First report of Tomato infectious chlorosis virus in Mexico
Since 2007, unusual symptoms (yellow and brittle leaves) have been observed in commercial tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fields in the municipality of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. These symptoms and the presence of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum) suggested the occurrence of crinivirus infections. Leaf samples were collected from 143 symptomatic tomato plants (2007 and 2008 growing seasons) and tested (RT-PCR, sequence analysis). Results confirmed the presence of Tomato infectious chlorosis virus (Crinivirus, TICV – EPPO A2 List) in diseased tomato plants. This is the first time that TICV is reported from Mexico. In this study, the presence of Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV – EPPO A2 List) was not detected, although this virus has previously been reported in Mexico in tomato crops and weeds (Solanum nigrescens and Datura stramonium).
The situation of Tomato infectious chlorosis virus in Mexico can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2007/2008 in commercial tomato crops in Baja California.
Sources
Méndez-Lozano J, Magallanes-Tapia MA, Romero-Romero JL, Camacho-Beltrán E, Orduño Vega WL, Leyva-López NE, Santos-Cervantes ME, Félix-Gastélum R (2012) Tomato infectious chlorosis virus associated with tomato diseases in Baja California, Mexico. Plant Disease 96(8), p 1229.