The tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) occurs worldwide, and was first identified in South Africa in 1997. There are several strains of the virus; South African authorities named the local strain ‘curly stunt virus’ (ToCSV).
The virus, which favours warmer areas, is spread rapidly from plant to plant by its vector, the highly active silver leaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). It cannot be transferred in any other way.
The insect has to feed for at least an hour to infect a plant. Symptoms will appear three to four weeks after the virus is introduced. As the name suggests, the plants become stunted, with the leaves curling and losing their healthy green colour. (The symptoms are similar to those produced by the bunchy top virus, which occurs in subtropical areas.)
WEEDS
Once curly stunt virus is introduced, active measures should be taken to prevent it from gaining a foothold.
This story is from the 10 November 2017 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the 10 November 2017 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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