First report of Tomato chlorosis virus in Tunisia
In Tunisia, unusual yellowing symptoms have been observed since 2011 on field grown tomato crops in Kairouan, which is a major tomato-growing area. In 2013 and 2014, leaf samples were collected from both symptomatic and asymptomatic tomato plants and tested in the laboratory for the presence of several virus species. Results revealed the presence of Tomato infectious chlorosis virus (Crinivirus, TICV – EPPO A2 List), which had already been detected as an emerging virus in tomato and artichoke in Tunisia (see EPPO RS 2014/148), as well as of Tomato chlorosis virus (Crinivirus, ToCV – EPPO A2 List). This is the first time that ToCV is reported from tomato crops in Tunisia.
The situation of Tomato chlorosis virus in Tunisia can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2013/2014 in the region of Kairouan.
Sources
Mnari-Hattab M, Zammouri S, Salleh W, Hdider C, Hajlaoui MR (2014) First report of severe yellowing outbreaks on tomato in Tunisia associated with infection. New Disease Reports 30, 3. http://dx.doi.org/10.5197/j.2044-0588.2014.030.003