Identification of begomoviruses in tomato and determination of seed transmission in Atlacomulco, Mexico State

Abstract

In a high-tech greenhouse located at Atlacomulco, Mexico State, incidences from 60 to 90% of plants showing symptoms associated to begomoviruses have been observed. The objectives of this study were to identify the begomoviruses present, to know if they are transmitted by seed, to determine the species of whitefly and if they are carriers of the virus. Leaves of adult symptomatic plants were analyzed with universal primers for begomoviruses. Seeds of fruits from positive plants were seeded to obtain seedlings; seeds and seedlings were analyzed by PCR for begomoviruses. Adults whiteflies were analyzed with specific primers to the mitochondrial gene of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I and universal primers for begomoviruses. Sequences of PCR products from symptomatic plants had 99% of identity with Tomato severe leaf curl virus (ToSLCV). No begomoviruses were detected in seed and seedlings. Sequences from  the whiteflies present in the greenhouse had an identity of 99% with Bemisia tabaci and they were carriers of ToSLCV. This is the first report of ToSLCV infecting tomato grown in greenhouse in Mexico.