First report of Pepino mosaic potexvirus in Canada and USA
During winter 2000, tomatoes showing a bright yellow leaf mosaic were observed in a commercial glasshouse in southern Ontario, Canada. ISEM, ELISA and artificial inoculation tests revealed the presence of Pepino mosaic potexvirus (EPPO Alert List). The Canadian isolates were compared with 2 European isolates (from the Netherlands and United Kingdom), and some differences were observed in particular when inoculated to Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, suggesting the possible occurrence of several virus strains. In addition, tomato fruits originating from USA were collected during border inspections and tested by ELISA. Pepino mosaic potexvirus was detected in 6 out of 12 samples from Colorado, 6 out of 7 samples from Arizona and 1 out of 5 samples from Texas. These are the first reports of this virus in North America. The situation of Pepino mosaic potexvirus in Canada can be described as follows: Present, found in 2000 in glasshouse tomatoes (Ontario). The situation of Pepino mosaic potexvirus in USA needs to be confirmed. For the moment the virus has been intercepted several times on tomato fruits from Arizona, Colorado and Texas which suggests that it probably occurs there, but more information is needed on the phytosanitary situation of tomato crops.
Sources
French, C.J.; Bouthillier, M.; Bernardy, M.; Sabourin, M.; Johnson, R.C.; Masters, C.; Godkin, S.; Mumford, R. (2001) First report of Pepino mosaic virus in Canada and the United States.
Plant Disease, 85(10), p 1121.