Tomato viruses present in Tunisia
In Tunisia, according to 1996 data, tomatoes are grown on 23,800 ha, in irrigated fields and under glasshouses, and the annual production is about 750,000 t. Surveys were done to identify the viruses present on Tunisian tomato crops in the regions of Cap-Bon, Sahel and in the south of the country. In total, 257 tomato samples were collected form 1997 to 1999, and serologically tested (ELISA). As a result the following viruses were detected: Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus, Tomato aspermy cucumuvirus, Potato Y potyvirus, Tobacco etch potyvirus, Pepper veinal mottle potyvirus, Tomato mosaic tobamovirus, Tobacco mosaic tobamovirus, Tobacco rattle tobravirus, Alfalfa mosaic alfamovirus, Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest), Tomato ringspot nepovirus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest), Potato X potexvirus. Most viruses were found in all studied regions. However, Pepper veinal mottle potyvirus was only found in Cap-Bon and Sahel, Potato X potexvirus was found only in Sahel and in the south, and Tomato ringspot nepovirus was found only in Sahel. Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus has been detected since the last two tomato growing seasons (1998/1999).
This study confirms the presence of Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus, and constitutes the first report of Tomato ringspot nepovirus in Tunisia. The situation of Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus in Tunisia can be described as follows: Present: found in Cap-bon, Sahel and south regions. The situation of Tomato ringspot nepovirus in Tunisia can be described as follows: Present: only found in Sahel region.
Sources
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Ben Moussa, A.; Makni, M.; Marrakchi, M. (2000) Identification of the principal viruses infecting tomato crops in Tunisia.
Bulletin OEPP/EPPO Bulletin, 30(4), 293-296.
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