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Major tomato viruses in the Mediterranean basin
Inge M Hanssen1, Moshe Lapidot
1Scientia Terrae Research Institute, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium.
Advances in Virus Research
|June 12, 2012
Summary
Tomato cultivation faces significant yield losses due to viral diseases, prompting a shift to greenhouses. This chapter details major tomato viruses in the Mediterranean basin, impacting global Solanum lycopersicum L. production.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Pathology
- Horticulture
Background:
- Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation has a global reach, originating in South America and spreading worldwide.
- Mediterranean basin's climate traditionally favors open-field tomato farming.
- Viral diseases cause substantial yield losses, driving a shift towards greenhouse cultivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe the primary viral diseases affecting tomato production in the Mediterranean region.
- To provide an overview of endemic tomato viruses impacting Solanum lycopersicum L.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and compilation of endemic tomato viruses in the Mediterranean basin.
- Description of major viral pathogens affecting tomato crops.
Main Results:
- Identification of key tomato viruses in the Mediterranean, including Tomato yellow leaf curl virus, Tomato torrado virus, Tomato spotted wilt virus, Tomato infectious chlorosis virus, Tomato chlorosis virus, and Pepino mosaic virus.
- Acknowledgement of several minor viral pathogens also present.
Conclusions:
- Viral diseases are a critical limiting factor in Mediterranean tomato production.
- Greenhouse cultivation is increasingly adopted to mitigate viral disease impact on Solanum lycopersicum L. yields.
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