Molecular epidemiology of tomato chlorosis virus (Tocv) in Brazil: understanding to manage

• Grant number: 11/51563-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2011
• End date: May 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Armando Bergamin Filho
• Grantee: Armando Bergamin Filho
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) belongs to the genus Crinivirus, is transmitted by whiteflies and was recently detected in Brazil. Due to the great losses it causes, it is a threat on tomato production in many parts of the world. Additionally, it is known that ToCV help the breakdown of resistance to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) on resistant cultivars containing the SW-5 gene. In Brazil, ToCV is poorly studied. No information is available regarding the virus distribution and intra-specific diversity, host range, epidemiology such as incubation and latent period, temperature influence on virus transmission and propagation, as well as the interaction ofToCV with TSWV resistant materials in Brazil. Hence, this project has the objective of: (I) determine the spatial distribution of ToCV in the tomato growing regions in Brazil, (II) analyse ToCV isolate diversity, (Ill) characterize the tomato yellow disease dinamics in its spatial and temporal properties, (IV) identify alternative hosts of ToCV, (V) determine the incubation and latency period for tomato yellow disease, (VI) determine the transmission and colonization efficiency under distinct temperature conditions, and (VII) analyse the TSWV and ToCV interaction on Brazilian cultivars resistant to TSWV. This project will generate information that will enable a better understanding of the ToCV behaviour in Brazil, which is essential to produce a list of reccommendations for a rational management system of the disease. (AU)