Tomato dwarf leaf curl virus a new begomovirus of tomato and sweet pepper in Jamaica - Addition to the EPPO Alert List
Since 1992, leaf curling and severe dwarfing with or without marginal chlorosis were observed on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants in south and central Jamaica. Molecular studies revealed the presence of a new begomovirus which was called tomato dwarf leaf curl virus. It was found in mixed infection with tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) in both sweet pepper and tomato. Tomato dwarf leaf curl virus is most probably transmitted by whiteflies, although this has not been demonstrated. The authors felt that tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus is probably more important than tomato dwarf leaf curl begomovirus, but more studies are needed on the possible interactions of these two viruses.
Tomato dwarf leaf curl begomovirus - a new virus of tomato and sweet pepper in Jamaica
Why: Tomato dwarf leaf curl virus came to our attention because it was reported as a new virus of tomato and pepper in Jamaica.
Where: Jamaica
On which plants: Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Damage: Leaf curling and severe dwarfing with or without marginal chlorosis. Tomato dwarf leaf curl virus was always found in association with tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus.
Transmission: Transmission by whiteflies is most probable but has not been demonstrated nor studied.
Pathway: Tomato and pepper plants from Jamaica, vegetables ?
Possible risks: Tomatoes and sweet pepper are important crops in the EPPO region. Whiteflies are also present, but more data is needed on insect vectors. In addition, knowledge is lacking on the real impact of the virus on plants, as it was always found in association with tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus.
EPPO RS 2000/047
Panel review date - Entry date 2000-03
Sources
Roye, M.E.; Wernecke, M.E.; McLaughlin, W.A.; Nakhla, M.K.; Maxwell, D.P. (1999) Tomato dwarf leaf curl virus, a new bipartite geminivirus associated with tomatoes and peppers in Jamaica and mixed infection with tomato yellow leaf curl virus. Plant Pathology, 48(3), 370-378.