Survey of viruses and vectors in tomato plants, alternative hosts and weeds in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

AbstractSanta Catarina is an important tomato‐producing state in Brazil, but there is little data regarding the prevalence and characterization of viruses and insect vectors in tomato plants in this state. This study surveyed viruses and their vectors in commercial tomato‐producing areas, as well as alternative hosts and weeds in the surrounding areas. Sixty‐five samples of young leaves were collected between 2019 and 2023, and viruses were detected with generic or specific PCR primers targeting several virus genera. In addition, 397 virus vector insect samples were collected and identified. The orthotospoviruses tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV) and groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV) were the most prevalent and distributed in several regions, whilst the crinivirus tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) and begomovirus tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV) were restricted to the metropolitan region of Florianópolis. This is the first report of ToSRV in Solanum americanum in Brazil and of TCSV in zucchini and cucumbers worldwide. A survey of insect vectors found whiteflies, Mediterranean cryptic species of Bemisia tabaci (MED) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum were predominant, while Frankliniella occidentalis and F. schultzei thrips were often found cohabiting in the sampled crops. These results highlight the need to adapt management strategies in Santa Catarina, especially in the Santo Amaro da Imperatriz region, where a greater frequency and diversity of viral species and vectors were found. In addition, both the thrips and whitefly species (especially MED) found are a cause for concern, as they readily transmit viruses that infest crops in the open fields of Santa Catarina.