Eradication of tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus in France
In EPPO RS 2000/094, it was reported that tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) had been found for the first time in the south of France (Gard département) during summer 1999. The virus was found in a very limited number of tomato plants, on three plots. Young plants had been imported from Spain. Eradication measures were immediately taken. A survey programme was carried out during the 2000 growing-season. Wild plants growing near the previously infected plots were tested. In the same area, tomato crops were intensively tested. In the main tomato-growing regions of France, crops were randomly tested. In spring and summer 2000, the insect vector Bemisia tabaci (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) found in the vicinity of the previously infested plots was also tested for the presence of the virus. Results of this survey showed that the virus was not detected in host plants nor in the insect vector. The French NPPO concluded that tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus could be considered as eradicated in France. The situation of this virus in France can be described as: Absent: eradicated, confirmed by survey.
Sources
NPPO of France, 2000-11.