First report of Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus in Kenya
In Kenya, from November 1999 to March 2000, symptoms resembling those of Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) were observed in tomato crops in the Subukia, Bahati and Kabazi areas of the Nakuru district. Farmers reported yield losses reaching up to 80 %. Tomato samples were collected and tested (commercial kit and ELISA) and the presence of Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus was confirmed. This is the first report of this virus in Kenya. Future surveys will be conducted on other hosts, such as potatoes, capsicum, peanut, beans and a wide variety of ornamental cut flowers. The situation of Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus in Kenya can be described as follows: Present, found on tomato crops in 1999/2000 in the Nakuru district.
Sources
Wangai, A.W.; Mandal, B.; Pappu, H.R.; Kilonzo, S.; (2001) Outbreak of Tomato spotted wilt virus in tomato in Kenya.
Plant Disease, 85(10), p 1123.