Prevalence of Single and Mixed Infections with Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus and Tomato Chlorosis Virus in Tomato and Pepper Plants

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University P.O. Box 68, Hadayek Shubra 11241, Cairo, Egypt

2 Agriculture Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Giza, 12619, Egypt

Abstract

Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and Tomato Chlorosis Virus (ToCV) are major viral pathogens impacting solanaceous crops globally. This study investigated the natural dissemination and prevalence of TYLCV and/or ToCV in tomato and pepper plants grown commercially in two of the major producing governorates in Egypt: Ismailia and Giza. Open field surveys revealed that TYLCV was the most prevalent virus, especially in tomato crops from Ismailia, where it exhibited the highest incidence (33%) and severity (70%). Tomato plants in Giza showed lower TYLCV incidence (18%) and severity (18%). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed >98% identity between the Ismailia TYLCV isolate and a known Egyptian isolate (TYLCV-ALISA, PQ206352.1). ToCV infections were less common but present as single and/or mixed infections, with Ismailia again showing higher incidence and severity in both tomato and pepper. Notably, mixed infection with TYLCV and ToCV was more severe in tomato (73% severity) than in pepper (19%). In-vitro transmission assays demonstrated that TYLCV and ToCV were efficiently transmitted to tomato plants by Bemisia tabaci, with 100% and 70% efficiency, respectively, and to a lesser extent to pepper. Grafting also facilitated virus transmission, albeit with reduced efficiency. These findings underscore the importance of integrated pest management strategies, including controlling the transmitting vectors and eliminating inoculum and infection sources, which should be strictly applied.

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