Journal of Plant Pathology (2003) 85, 317-318

M. Tessitori, A. Reina, S. Rizza, P. Roggero and R. La Rosa (2003)
A two-year monitoring of an epidemic of Tomato spotted wilt virus in specialized lettuce production area
Journal of Plant Pathology 85 (4), 317-318
X Meeting, Italian Society for Plant Pathology (poster)
Abstract: Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), genus Tospovirus, family Bunyaviridae, has one of the widest host range (over 1000 species) in comparison with any other plant virus. In spring 2002 a high incidence of severe virus-like symptoms was observed in different cultivars of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in the Adrano area (Catania, Italy). This area of about 1300 ha is cultivated with at least three production cycles per year. Infections had an incidence of 50-70% and were characterised by small necrotic areas in young leaves resulting in distortions and necrosis of foliar tissues. High infestation of Frankliniella occidentalis was recorded in the same period. Ten percent of symptomatic plants in each field and a small number of symptomless plants were assayed by DAS-ELISA to check the presence of TSWV. Only samples showing symptoms were positive in ELISA. RT-PCR with L1 and L2 TSWV specific primers was then performed in order to confirm DAS-ELISA results. Monitoring of TSWV infection was conducted until June 2003 and revealed a drastic decrease in the epidemic (close to an incidence of 1%) due to the colder and dryer climate with respect to 2002, and to substitution of lettuce with alternative crops in the spring and warmer months. A case of lettuce big vein was also reported in romaine lettuce in the same area. Symptomatic samples were tested by DAS-ELISA for Lettuce big vein associated virus (LBVaV) and Mirafiori lettuce vein (MiLV) and showed positive results for single or mixed infection of both viruses.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Piero Roggero

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
population dynamics/ epidemiology
transmission/dispersal of plant diseases

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Frankliniella occidentalis	Lettuce (Lactuca)	Italy
	Orthotospovirus tomatomaculae	Lettuce (Lactuca)	Italy