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Submitted to: Compendium of the Beet Diseases and Insects
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 3/17/2009 Publication Date: 5/21/2009 Citation: Wintermantel, W.M. 2009. BEET CURLY TOP VIRUS. In: Compendium of Beet Diseases and Pests. 2nd Ed., R.M. Harveson and L.E. Hanson, eds., APS Press, St. Paul, MN. pp 51-53. Interpretive Summary: Curly top disease of sugarbeet is caused by a group of related viruses in the family Geminiviridae, genus Curtovirus. Curly top disease of sugarbeet is widespread throughout the western United States, southwestern Canada and Mexico. In addition to North America, curly top is endemic in the Mediterranean basin, and Middle East. Traditionally the causal agent has been referred to as Beet curly top virus (BCTV), however three closely related viruses are now recognized to cause curly top disease in sugarbeet. These include BCTV, as well as Beet severe curly top virus (BSCTV) and Beet mild curly top virus (BMCTV). All three curtovirus species consist of genomes of single-stranded (ss) DNA packaged in twinned (geminate) icosahedral particles approximately 20 x 38 nm characteristic of the family Geminiviridae. Each virion particle contains a single molecule of ssDNA. BCTV and related curtoviruses are known to infect a broad range of crop and weed hosts including more than 300 species in 44 plant families. In North America, BCTV is transmitted only by the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus, in a persistent manner. Severity of curly top disease in sugarbeet depends on climatic factors that influence the prevalence of weed hosts of the virus, and the reproductive capacity and migration of the leafhopper vector. Current control measures include vector abatement within and outside of production areas through application of insecticides, the use of soil and seed applied insecticides in fields, and early planting to allow plants to reach substantial size prior to the influx of the leafhopper vector. Technical Abstract: N/A. Introductory chapter for APS's Compendium of Beet Diseases and Insects. APS Press. |
