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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Plant Pathology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #350663
Research Project: Mitigating High Consequence Domestic, Exotic, and Emerging Diseases of Fruits, Vegetables, and Ornamentals

Location: Subtropical Plant Pathology Research

Title: Emerging viruses in Florida and the Caribbean

Author
item Adkins, Scott
item ESTEVEZ DE JENSEN, CONSUELO - University Of Puerto Rico
item FRANTZ, GALEN - Glades Crop Care
item MELLINGER, CHARLES - Glades Crop Care
item HUTTON, SAMUEL - University Of Florida
item FUNDERBURK, JOSEPH - University Of Florida
item NAIDU, RAYAPATI - Washington State University
item Turechek, William

Submitted to: International Congress of Plant Pathology Abstracts and Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/8/2017
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Multiple thrips-, whitefly- and aphid-transmitted viruses have recently emerged or re-emerged in vegetable and ornamental crops in Florida and the Caribbean. This includes Tomato chlorotic spot virus, Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus, Cucurbit leaf crumple virus and Squash vein yellowing virus. Several novel virus species have also been detected. New protocols have been developed for rapid and specific identification of these viruses, and to facilitate studies on host and geographic range expansion.

Technical Abstract: Multiple thrips-, whitefly- and aphid-transmitted viruses have recently emerged or re-emerged in vegetable and ornamental crops in Florida and the Caribbean. Tomato spotted wilt virus (a thrips-transmitted tospovirus) and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (a whitefly-transmitted begomovirus) have historically been significant constraints to vegetable and/or ornamental production in this region. With the emergence or re-emergence of additional thrips- and whitefly-transmitted viruses such as Tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV), Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) and Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV), pathogen identification and management has become more complex. Aphid-transmitted potyviruses like Zucchini tigré mosaic virus (ZTMV) and non-insect-transmitted tobamoviruses like Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV) have also begun to appear with greater regularity. Several novel virus species including the ilarvirus Tomato necrotic streak virus (TomNSV) have been detected. New protocols have been developed for rapid and specific identification of these viruses, and to facilitate studies on host and geographic range expansion. Collectively, this information will lead to management strategy improvement. Ongoing tracking of emerging and re-emerging viruses in Florida and the Caribbean will help strengthen agricultural security in the area, which is especially critical in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricanes.