First report of Tomato chlorosis virus in Jordan
In January 2014, symptoms of interveinal yellowing, bronzing, thickening, and downward rolling of lower leaves were observed on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) crops grown under plastic houses and open fields in the Jordan Valley, Jordan. In diseased crops, large numbers of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) were also observed. Leaf samples were collected from symptomatic tomato plants and tested (PCR tests, sequencing) for the presence of criniviruses. Results confirmed the presence of Tomato chlorosis virus (Crinivirus, ToCV – EPPO A2 List) in symptomatic samples. In addition, experiments with B. tabaci adults exposed to symptomatic tomato leaves for a 48-h acquisition access period resulted in the transmission of ToCV to healthy tomato plants (with a 48-h inoculation access period). This is the first time that ToCV is reported from Jordan. Further studies are needed to determine the incidence and distribution of ToCV in the country.
The situation of Tomato chlorosis virus in Jordan can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2014 in the Jordan Valley on both protected and outdoor tomato crops.
Sources
Salem NM, Mansour AN, Abdeen AO, Araj S, Khrfan WI (2015) First report of Tomato chlorosis virus infecting tomato crops in Jordan. Plant Disease 99(9), p 1286.