Tomato infectious chlorosis virus detected in lettuce and escarole in Italy
In 2005 and 2006, a severe disease of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) and escarole (Cichorium endivia var. latifolium) was observed in some protected and outdoor crops in the region of Calabria, Southern Italy. Affected plants showed interveinal yellowing, mainly of the oldest leaves. In all instances, diseased lettuce and escarole were close to other protected crops (mainly tomato crops) affected by a yellowing disease and heavily infested by Trialeurodes vaporariorum. PCR tests revealed the presence of Tomato infectious chlorosis virus (Crinivirus, TICV – EPPO A2 List). In an extensive survey carried out in 2006, TICV was detected in 92% of the tested samples of lettuce and in 89% of the escarole samples. Tomato chlorosis virus (Crinivirus, ToCV, EPPO A2 List) was not detected. The author noted that this is the first time that TICV is reported on lettuce in Italy, and the first time that it is found on escarole.
Sources
Parrella G (2008) Interveinal yellowing caused by Tomato infectious chlorosis virus in lettuce and escarole in Southern Italy. Journal of Phytopathology 156(3)190-192.