Confirmation of the role of tomato russet mite (Aculops lycopersici) as a vector of tomato fruit blotch virus
The tomato russet mite Aculops lycopersici (Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) is a tomato pest, and has also been suspected to be involved in the transmission of tomato fruit blotch virus (Blunervirus solani - ToFBV - EPPO Alert List), as it has often been observed on ToFBV-infected tomato plants (EPPO RS 2024/016). A recent study confirmed that A. lycopersici could acquire the virus from infected tomato plants, and that viruliferous A. lycopersici could transmit ToFBV to healthy tomato plants. After a four-week inoculation period of 38 healthy plants, 13 (about 34%) tested positive for ToFBV after 18 weeks. They showed foliar symptoms consisting of slight mosaic, chlorotic areas and discoloration.
Sources
Bertin S, Sybilska A, Luigi M, Tarchi F, Goggioli D, Taglienti A, Luison D, Faggioli F, Simoni S, Lewandowski M, Tiberini A (2025) Transmission of tomato fruit blotch virus by the tomato russet mite: epidemiological implications for an emerging/re-emerging tomato disease. Scientific Reports 15(1),12079. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97142-9