Emerging Virus Affecting Tomato Crops in Turkey: Pepino Mosaic Virus (PepMV)

Abstract

Turkey is one of the biggest tomato producers around the world. Many viruses have been reported to infect tomato plants, while new viral diseases keep emerging. Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) is a rapidly emerging virus which has established itself as one of the most important viral diseases in tomato production worldwide over recent years. Recently, PepMV infections causing severe yellowing symptoms in tomato plants have also been reported in glasshouse tomato crops in West Mediterranean Region of Turkey. PepMV was initially described as causal agent of a viral disease of pepino in Peru (1974). Its host range is mainly limited to plant species within the family Solanaceae. In 1999, the virus was detected in tomato in the Netherlands. Subsequently, outbreaks of the disease were reported in many other European countries. PepMV is transmitted efficiently through contact. It can also be transmitted by conventional means, such as the hydroponic systems, seed, Olpidium virulentus, and the bug Macrolophus caliginosus. PepMV causes severe yield loss (up to 40%) and economic damage in glasshouse-grown tomatoes. Because of the effects on quality and yield, PepMV is rapidly becoming one of the most important tomato pathogens worldwide over the recent years. In this paper, we review the current status of PepMV epidemics and the morphology and biology, host range, symptoms, geographical distribution, means of movement, control of PepMV. © 2016, Centenary University. All rights reserved.