First report to Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus in Morocco
In 2017, symptoms resembling those caused by Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (Begomovirus, ToLCNDV EPPO Alert List) were observed in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) crops growing near Agadir and Taroudant in Morocco. The incidence of disease was high, with severe yellow mosaic symptoms accompanied by leaf curling and roughness of the fruit skin. The infected plants had smaller and fewer fruits when compared to healthy ones and in most cases fruit bursting was observed. Leaf samples were collected from diseased zucchini plants (9 samples taken near Agadir and 6 taken near Taroudant) and tested by molecular tests (PCR tests with generic and specific primers). Results confirmed the presence of ToLCNDV in all 9 samples from Agadir and in 4 out of 6 samples from Taroudant. This is the first time that ToLCNDV is reported from Morocco.
The situation of Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus in Morocco can be described as follows: Present, only in some areas (first found in 2017 near Agadir and Taroudant).
Sources
Radouane N, Tahiri A, El Ghadraoui L, Al Figuigui J, Lahlali R (2018) First report of Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus in Morocco. New Disease Reports 37, 2. http://dx.doi.org/10.5197/j.2044-0588.2018.037.002