First report of Tomato chlorosis crinivirus on Capsicum annuum
In southern Spain, epidemics of a tomato yellowing disease have been observed in the provinces of Málaga and Almería since 1997. These epidemics have been associated with infections by Tomato chlorosis crinivirus (ToCV - EPPO Alert List). During the past few years, the incidence of the disease has increased and it spread to new areas including eastern Spain and islas Baleares and Canarias. In 1999, Capsicum annuum plants showing symptoms of interveinal yellowing, mild upward leaf curling, and stunting were observed in glasshouses of Almería heavily infested with Bemisia tabaci. These plants were tested (PCR) for the presence of Tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus (TYLCV) as well as for the presence of tomato criniviruses. A few plants tested positive for TYLCV. In addition, the presence of ToCV was detected in several samples. This is the first report of a natural infection of ToCV on Capsicum annuum. Further studies are being conducted on the relationships between ToCV infections and the expression of specific symptoms on C. annuum.
Sources
Lozano, G.; Moriones, E.; Navas-Castillo, J. (2004) First report of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) as a natural host plant for Tomato chlorosis virus.
Plant Disease, 88(2), p 224.