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Localization and Quantification of Begomoviruses in Whitefly Tissues by Immunofluorescence and Quantitative PCR
Published on: February 8, 2020
Relationship between Tomato yellow leaf curl viruses and the whitefly vector.
Charles Ssekyewa1, Patrick L J Van Damme, Monica Hofte
1University of Ghent, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium. cssekyewa@umu.ac.ug
Communications in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences
|April 10, 2008
Summary
In Uganda, Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (ToLCV) impact tomato yields. Uprooting and dimethoate application proved most effective for managing whiteflies and these begomoviruses.
Area of Science:
- Plant Virology
- Entomology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (ToLCV) are known begomoviruses in Uganda.
- The relationship between these viruses, their whitefly vector (Bemisia tabaci), and effective management strategies were previously unknown in Uganda.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between begomoviruses and whiteflies in Uganda.
- To evaluate the efficacy of farmer-implemented pest management practices against whiteflies and begomoviruses.
- To establish effective management options for tomato leaf curl diseases and whiteflies in Uganda.
Main Methods:
- A completely randomized block design with six treatments (chemical and non-pesticide) replicated three times was employed.
- Data on whitefly populations and TYLCV disease incidence were recorded weekly.
- Statistical analysis included ANOVA and correlation using SAS and SPSS.
Main Results:
- Virus occurrence was found to vary with management practices, crop stage, and weather conditions.
- A negative correlation (R = -0.14, p=0.04) existed between TYLCV-infected plants and marketable tomato yield.
- Tomato maturity showed an inverse relationship with whitefly infestation (R = -0.5, p=0.0001).
- Uprooting and dimethoate application were the most effective management treatments.
Conclusions:
- Effective management strategies for tomato leaf curl diseases and whiteflies have been established in Uganda.
- Integrated pest management approaches, including specific chemical and cultural practices, are crucial for controlling begomoviruses transmitted by whiteflies.
