First report of Tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus-Israel in Greece
In late summer 2000, tomatoes grown in glasshouses in Ierapetra, Tymbaki and Chania (Kriti) showed leaf curling, reduced leaf size, yellowing, shortened internodes, and a bushy appearance. More than 30 ha of tomato were affected and the disease incidence ranged from 15 to 60 %, with estimated crop losses of more than 500,000 EUR. Similar symptoms were observed in tomato samples from Marathon (Attiki) and Southern Peloponnesos. All glasshouses concerned were infested with high populations of Bemisia tabaci (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) which were also observed outdoors on weeds. Serological and molecular tests revealed the presence of Tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus – Israel (EPPO A2 quarantine pest). It is noted that the disease appeared for the first time in 1992 in Tymbaki (Kriti) but was limited to very few plants in one glasshouse. This is the first report of this virus in Greece.
The situation of Tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus –Israel in Greece can be described as follows: Present: found in glasshouse tomatoes in a few locations (Kriti, southern Peloponnesos and Attiki).