High incidence of Tomato chlorosis virus alone and in mixed infection with begomoviruses in two tomato fields in the Federal District and Goiás state, Brazil

Abstract

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), a species in the Crinivirus genus, was first reported in tomatoes in Brazil (state of São Paulo) in 2008. This was followed by reports in several other Brazilian states. Tomato plants with chlorotic spots and leaf roll symptoms are frequently observed in tomato fields with high whitefly populations in Central Brazil. These plants could be infected with a begomovirus, a crinivirus, or with both viruses. A survey of two selected tomato fields in the Federal District and Goiás State was conducted in 2012 and 2013 specifically to determine the occurrence of begomoviruses and criniviruses. A total of 150 samples were collected and subjected to RT-PCR for ToCV detection and PCR for begomovirus detection. About 48% of the tested plants were infected with both viruses, 32% were infected with ToCV alone and 20% were only infected with the begomovirus ToSRV. The increasing incidence of ToCV associated with high whitefly populations in the field highlights the need for studying this virus disease to clarify its impact on tomato crops and minimize its potential damage.