Abstract
Beet curly top virus (BCTV) is the type species of the genus Curtovirus, family Geminiviridae. BCTV possesses a circular single-stranded DNA genome of ~3000 nucleotides that is encapsidated in twinned icosahedral virions. In nature, BCTV is transmitted by the beet leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus), and causes curly top disease of common bean, sugar beet, tomato and other crops. This disease devastated the sugar beet industry in the western USA and continues to cause losses to processing tomato production in California. BCTV and the beet leafhopper were introduced into the New World through the activities of humans, and curly top disease biology is complex due to the migratory nature of the vector. Analysis of the BCTV genome revealed a role for recombination in viral evolution. The sugar beet industry was saved by the development and release of curly top-resistant varieties. The most effective management requires an integrated pest management approach, particularly as resistant varieties are not available for all crops.
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