Pcr-amplification of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) DNA from squashes of plants and whitefly vectors: Application to the study of TYLCV acquisition and transmission

DNA of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a geminivirus transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, was amplified from squashes of infected tomato plants and of viruliferous vectors using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Samples of infected tissues as small as 1 mm² were squashed onto a nylon membrane. A 1 × 2 mm strip containing the squash was introduced into a 25 µl PCR reaction mix. The reaction products were subjected to gel electrophoresis, blotted and hybridized with a radiolabeled virus-specific DNA probe. TYLCV DNA was amplified from squashes of leaves, roots, and stem of infected tomato and from individual viruliferous whiteflies. The same squash could be used several times to amplify different virus DNA fragments with various sets of primers. Thus plant and insect squashes can be used as templates for the amplification of geminiviral DNA with no need to prepare tissue extracts or purify nucleic acids. The squash-PCR procedure was applied to study whitefly transmission of TYLCV. Tomato plants were inoculated by placing a single viruliferous insect in the center of a young leaflet. In some plants TYLCV DNA was detected at the site of inoculation as early as 5 min after the beginning of the access feeding and in all plants after 30 min. The squash-PCR procedure also was applied to the study of TYLCV acquisition by the insect vector. TYLCV DNA was detected in the head of whiteflies as early as 5 min after the beginning of the access feeding on infected tomato plants. Viral DNA was detected in the thorax after 10 min and in the abdomen after 25 min.     

Use of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) Rep Gene Sequences to Engineer TYLCV Resistance in Tomato

ABSTRACT Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a member of the genus Begomovirus (family Geminiviridae), causes severe losses in tomato production in the tropics and subtropics. In order to generate engineered resistance, eight different constructs of the TYLCV replication-associated protein (Rep) and C4 gene sequences were tested in transformed tomato inbred lines. Transgenic plants were screened for resistance to TYLCV using viruliferous whiteflies. No symptoms were observed and no TYLCV genomic DNA was detected by both hybridization and polymerase chain reaction in progenies of plants transformed with three constructs. This resistance was observed in plants that contained one of the following transgenes: 2/5Rep (81 nucleotides [nt] of the intergenic region [IR] plus 426 nt of the 5' end of the TYLCV Rep gene), Delta2/5Rep (85 nt of the IR plus 595 nt of the 5' end of the TYLCV Rep gene in the antisense orientation), and RepDelta2/5Rep (81 nt of the IR, the entire Rep gene, and 41 nt 3' to the end of the Rep gene fused to Delta2/5Rep). Our study differs from other transgenic Geminivirus resistance reports involving the Rep gene in that viruliferous whiteflies were used for challenge inoculation instead of agroinoculation or biolistic inoculation, and TYLCV resistance was evaluated under field conditions.     

Pymetrozine interferes with transmission of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tomato yellow leaf curl virus</Emphasis> by the whitefly<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis>

Pymetrozine, a novel compound belonging to the class pyridine-azomethines, is a feeding inhibitor labeled for use against plant pests in the order Hemiptera. Pymetrozine was evaluated for its ability to interfere with whitefly transmission of the begomovirusTomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). Pymetrozine was applied as Fulfill ^TM 50 WG at two rates (0.291 and 0.582 g formulationl ⁻¹) to tomato seedlings with four to six true leaves. Viruliferous whiteflies (three to five per plant) were added 1, 4, 7 and 11 d after a single application of pymetrozine, and transmission rates were determined 4 wk after the addition of whiteflies. Pymetrozine provided protection against transmission of TYLCV by viruliferous whiteflies for up to 1 wk after a single apliation. No phytotoxicity was observed on tomato transplants. These results indicate that pymetrozine could be an effective tool for tomato transplant producers to protect susceptible transplants from infection by begomoviruses, such as TYLCV. Pymetrozine might also work well as part of an integrated approach to begomovirus management in greenhouse tomato fruit production. http://www.phytoparasitica.org positing Oct. 20, 2003.     

烟粉虱传播的番茄褪绿病毒和番茄黄化曲叶病毒对不同番茄品种的复合侵染

为明确烟粉虱传播的番茄褪绿病毒(Tomato chlorosis virus,ToCV)与番茄黄化曲叶病毒(Tomato yellow leaf curl virus,TYLCV)对不同番茄品种的复合侵染情况,于2015年11月在山东省寿光市温室内采集13个番茄品种共390份疑似发病植株叶片,对不同番茄品种的TYLCV抗性和2种病毒的复合侵染以及温室内发病番茄植株上烟粉虱成虫的带毒率进行检测。结果表明,采集的13个番茄品种经分子标记检测鉴定均为TYLCV杂合抗性;不同番茄品种ToCV与TYLCV的复合侵染率存在明显差异,大果番茄粉宴和贝瑞上复合侵染率最高可达73.3%,而樱桃番茄八喜上未检测到这2种病毒的复合侵染。此外,在发病番茄植株上采集的烟粉虱成虫体内可检测到2种病毒,其中烟粉虱ToCV带毒率为90.7%,TYLCV带毒率为80.0%,同时检测到ToCV与TYLCV的概率为71.3%。表明ToCV和TYLCV的复合侵染在山东省番茄生产中普遍发生,烟粉虱可同时携带这2种病毒并广泛传播。     

Current situation of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus in Portugal

The name Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) has been applied to a group of virus species of the genus Begomovirus in the family Geminiviridae that cause a similar tomato disease worldwide. In 1995, TYLCV was first reported in Algarve (southern Portugal) as responsible for an epidemic outbreak of a severe tomato disease. Molecular data have shown that this Portuguese TYLCV isolate was distinct from those previously reported in Europe, as it belonged to the TYLCV-Israel species ¹ . Since then, TYLCV epidemics have occurred annually, being a limiting factor mainly for autumn/winter glasshouse tomato crops. In 1998, TYLCV was also found associated with the emergence of a novel disease of Phaseolus vulgaris in Algarve. The affected bean plants were severely stunted and gave no marketable yield. However, the disease occurs only sporadically, even in conditions of high TYLCV infection pressure. Recently, Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), a whitefly-transmitted bipartite closterovirus (genus Crinivirus , family Closteroviridae ), was found associated with an unusual tomato yellow leaf syndrome, in single or mixed infection with TYLCV. The impact of this new pathosystem on tomato production has yet to be determined. Surveys are in progress in mixed cropping systems infested with whiteflies. So far, TYLCV and ToCV diseases are limited to the Algarve region.     

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus in the Dominican Republic: Characterization of an Infectious Clone, Virus Monitoring in Whiteflies, and Identification of Reservoir Hosts

ABSTRACT Epidemics of tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD) in the Dominican Republic in the early to mid-1990s resulted in catastrophic losses to processing tomato production. As part of an integrated management approach to TYLCD, the complete nucleotide sequence of a full-length infectious clone of an isolate of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) from the Dominican Republic (TYLCV-[DO]) was determined. The TYLCV-[DO] genome was nearly identical in sequence (>97%) and genome organization to TYLCV isolates from Israel and Cuba. This established that TYLCV-[DO] is a bonafide TYLCV isolate (rather than a recombinant virus, such as isolates from Israel [Mild], Portugal, Japan, and Iran), and provided further evidence for the introduction of the virus from the eastern Mediterranean. A reduction in the incidence of TYLCV in the northern and southern processing tomato production areas of the Dominican Republic has been associated with the implementation of a mandatory 3-month whitefly host-free period (including tomato, common bean, cucurbits, eggplant, and pepper). Monitoring TYLCV levels in whiteflies, by polymerase chain reaction with TYLCV-specific primers, established that the incidence of TYLCV decreased markedly during the host-free period, and then gradually increased during the tomato-growing season. In contrast, TYLCV persisted in whiteflies and tomato plants in an area in which the host-free period was not implemented. Surveys for TYLCV reservoir hosts, conducted to identify where TYLCV persists during the host-free period, revealed symptomless infections in a number of weed species. The implications of these findings for TYLCV management in the Dominican Republic are discussed.     

Comparative spatial dispersal ofTomato yellow leaf curl virus vectored by B and Q biotypes ofBemisia tabaci in Tomato glasshouses

The spatial dispersal patterns ofTomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) disease vectored by the B and Q biotypes of the whiteflyBemisia tabaci in tomato glasshouses were compared. Tomato plants were arranged in glasshouses and TYLCV-infected plants were placed in the center of each plot. Adult whiteflies of each biotype were released onto TYLCV-infected plants and the insects were then freely dispersed in the glasshouses under high or moderate temperature conditions. The abundance and spatial distribution of dispersed whiteflies did not differ between the B and Q biotypes in tomato glasshouses. The disease incidence and dispersion of TYLCV as a result of short-distance movement of the whiteflies were also similar between the two biotypes, although on several investigation dates there was a tendency for the disease incidence caused by the B biotype to be slightly greater than that caused by the Q biotype. These results demonstrated that the aspects of spatial spread of TYLCV vectored by the B and Q biotypes ofB. tabaci in tomato glasshouses are similar. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Dec. 11, 2007.     

寄生Q型烟粉虱的丽蚜小蜂生长发育特性

为了阐明丽蚜小蜂Encarsia formosa对Q型烟粉虱的寄生特性及寄主植物携带病毒对其寄生的影响,采用微虫笼饲养法研究了寄生Q型烟粉虱的丽蚜小蜂生物学特性。结果显示,丽蚜小蜂寄生Q型烟粉虱3龄若虫时,其生长发育显著优于寄生Q型烟粉虱2龄若虫。丽蚜小蜂在感染黄化曲叶病毒（TYLCV）番茄和健康番茄上寄生Q型烟粉虱（分别为VW和NVW）3龄若虫时,其生长发育特性发生了明显变化。丽蚜小蜂以VW若虫为寄主时的寿命为10.25 d,显著长于寄生NVW的丽蚜小蜂寿命（5.90 d）;对VW和NVW后代3龄若虫的寄生率分别为23.81%和17.62%,致死率分别为38.95%和26.52%,差异均显著;而丽蚜小蜂的羽化率和发育历期不存在显著差异。说明丽蚜小蜂寄生Q型烟粉虱3龄若虫时更适宜其生长发育,寄主植物番茄携带TYLCV显著提高丽蚜小蜂对烟粉虱的寄生效果。     

Comparison of the reaction of tomato lines to infection by tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus in Lebanon

Tomato yellow leaf curl begomovirus (TYLCV), transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci , is epidemic in Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia. It is also reported in some European countries and the American continent. In Lebanon, it is the major limiting factor for summer and autumn production of tomato. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence in the intergenic region with other reported leaf curl viruses showed the Lebanese TYLCV isolate to be closely related to Egyptian, Israeli and Jamaican isolates (94–96% identity). However, it is not closely related to isolates from Sardinia, Spain and Thailand, or to tomato leaf curl isolates from India, Taiwan and Australia. In field and greenhouse screening tests conducted for 5 years on 67 tomato lines, several were identified as promising. TY-Carla, PSR and RS lines were among the most promising with determinate growth, while S&G 143 and the DR lines were the most promising with semi-determinate and indeterminate growth, respectively. Virus concentrations in most, but not all, tolerant tomato lines were significantly lower than in the susceptible lines. None of the lines tested was immune to the virus. A survey of TYLCV alternative hosts on at least 58 plant species, using nucleic acid hybridization, showed that Amaranthus sp., Malva sp., Sonchus oleraceus , Plantago sp., Solanum melongena , Phaseolus vulgaris and Mercurialis annua may play an important role in the epidemiology of TYLCV in Lebanon. Mercurialis annua is a newly reported host for TYLCV.     

Quantitation over time of tomato yellow leaf curl geminivirus DNA in its whitefly vector

ABSTRACT The amount of tomato yellow leaf curl geminivirus (TYLCV) DNA that accumulated in the vector Bemisia tabaci was studied by quantitative chemiluminescent dot-blot assay, using digoxigenin-labeled specific DNA probes. Large groups of female whiteflies were allowed to feed for 4, 12, 24, or 48 h on TYLCV-infected tomato plants and then were transferred to TYLCV-immune cucumber plants. Insects were sampled at different times during and after acquisition access and tested for TYLCV-DNA content. TYLCV-DNA assays were done either on whole insects oron the head plus prothorax (to include salivary glands) and abdomen separately. The maximum amount of TYLCV DNA, averaging from 0.5 to 1.6 ng per insect, was always attained at the end of the acquisition period. The mean amount then decreased by about 1 to 2% per day, remaining clearly detectable up to 20 days after the end of the acquisition period. Only some whiteflies that were TYLCV-positive in the abdomen were positive for head plus prothorax. In both parts of the body, TYLCV DNA remained detectable up to 18 days after the end of the acquisition period, showing that TYLCV DNA remains in insect tissues much longer than infectivity indicates.     

Effect of Host Plant Resistance to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) on Virus Acquisition and Transmission by Its Whitefly Vector

ABSTRACT The effect that Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV)-infected resistant tomato plants may have on virus epidemiology was studied. Four tomato genotypes that exhibit different levels of viral resistance, ranging from fully susceptible to highly resistant, served as TYLCV-infected source plants. Viral acquisition and transmission rates by white-flies following feeding on the different source plants were evaluated. TYLCV transmission rate by whiteflies that had fed on infected source plants 21 days postinoculation (DPI), shortly after the appearance of TYLCV symptoms, was negatively correlated with the level of resistance displayed by the source plant. Therefore, the higher the resistance, the lower the transmission rate. In addition, TYLCV DNA accumulation was shown to be lower in the resistant source plants compared with the susceptible plants. Whitefly survival rate, following feeding on source plants 21 DPI, was similar for all the cultivars tested. Significant differences in whitefly survival were found, however, following feeding on the infected source plants at 35 DPI; here, whitefly survival rate increased with higher levels of resistance displayed by the source plant. At 35 DPI, the susceptible plants had developed severe TYLCV disease symptoms, and transmission rates from these plants were the lowest, presumably due to the poor condition of these plants. Transmission rates from source plants displaying a medium level of resistance level were highest, with rates declining following feeding on source plants displaying higher levels of TYLCV resistance. TYLCV DNA accumulation in whiteflies following feeding on infected source plants at both 21 and 35 DPI was directly correlated with viral DNA accumulation in source plants. Results show that, in essence, the higher the resistance expressed, the less suitable the plant was as a viral source. Consequently, following acquisition from a highly resistant plant, TYLCV transmission by whiteflies will be less efficient.     

A new approach to evaluate relative resistance and tolerance of tomato cultivars to begomoviruses causing the tomato yellow leaf curl disease in Spain

A simple procedure to evaluate relative resistance and tolerance of tomato cultivars to the begomoviruses causing tomato yellow leaf curl (TYLC) disease in Spain was developed. To estimate the resistance and tolerance levels of a cultivar, several formulae were developed based on the ratio of infected plants, virus titre (estimated by tissue–print hybridization) and symptom intensity. The formulae were applied to five commercial tomato cultivars (Amoretto, Birloque, Royesta, Tovigreen and Ulises) naturally infected by TYLC viruses. The analyses showed that Ulises, Birloque and Tovigreen exhibited a moderate resistance, and Ulises was also highly tolerant. There was a positive correlation between symptom intensity and virus titre in infected plants, suggesting that the hybridization technique could also be used as an early estimator of tolerance. Finally, molecular hybridization and nucleotide sequence analyses of the begomovirus intergenic region showed that the local TYLC virus population consisted of a single species, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV, formerly TYLCV-Israel), with low genetic variation (nucleotide identity between isolates higher than 97%).     

Identification of whitefly transmitted tomato yellow leaf curl geminivirus from Iran and a survey of its distribution with molecular probes

A virus causing a disease of tomato, prevalent in the southern provinces of Iran, with symptoms of leaf-curling, stunting, reduction of leaf size, leaf corrugation, shortening of internodes and severe reduction in fruit yield, was shown to be transmissible to healthy tomato plants by grafting and by whiteflies ( Bemisia tabaci ), but not by sap inoculation. Geminivirus DNA was detected in extracts of diseased tomato plants by dot-blot hybridization assays using as probes full-length cloned DNA of Australian, Italian (Sardinian) or Jordanian strains of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). Geminivirus coat protein was detected in whitefly inoculated plants by dot immunobinding assay using polyclonal antibody raised against Jordanian TYLCV. A limited survey using the dot-blot hybridization assay for virus detection indicated the presence of the virus in tomato-growing provinces of southern but not northern Iran. Whitefly transmission experiments to tomato under controlled greenhouse conditions showed that some isolates of TYLCV-like geminiviruses from different parts of Iran differ in symptomatology.     

京郊番茄主要病毒病毒原鉴定

近年来, 番茄病毒病, 特别是番茄黄化曲叶病毒（TYLCV）病在北京地区空前暴发, 给番茄生产造成严重威胁, 使番茄的产量和品质显著降低。2012-2013年在北京周边7个区县, 采集疑似感染病毒的番茄植株样品325份, 分别针对TYLCV、烟草花叶病毒（TMV）、黄瓜花叶病毒（CMV）3种病毒进行了PCR或ELISA 检测。检测结果表明, 目前在北京地区大棚或温室内发生的番茄病毒病以TYLCV为主; 露地番茄病毒复合侵染现象比较普遍, 病毒检出率100%, 其中TYLCV检出率达到75%以上。在TYLCV侵染的样品中, TYLCV和CMV复合侵染占20%左右, TYLCV和TMV复合侵染占15%左右。部分样品检测到TYLCV、CMV 和TMV 3种病毒复合侵染的现象。     

Detection and typing of tomato yellow leaf curl viruses

The denomination Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) comprises several viruses that cause severe damage to tomato crops in warm and temperate regions worldwide. TYLCV viruses are widespread in the Mediterranean Basin, in which two species have been reported: Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus (TYLCSV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV, previously TYLCV-Is). The availability of methods convenient for the diagnosis of these viruses is essential. We have investigated several alternatives for reliable detection and differentiation of TYLCSV and TYLCV. Triple-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TAS-ELISA) proved to be very useful for large-scale diagnosis in field situations, but lacked discriminating capacity and sensitivity in the stages of infection in which low virus titre is present. The DNA-based methods are suited to laboratory operations and plant disease clinics, where accuracy of detection and discrimination of viruses is required. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) was the most reliable method to discriminate between TYLCSV and TYLCV, but is not suited to high sample turnover. For large-scale testing, tissue print hybridization assay provides a reliable and sensitive alternative to PCR.     

关中地区温室越冬茬番茄黄化曲叶病毒病分子鉴定及流行规律

为了明确关中地区越冬茬番茄黄化曲叶病毒病发生和流行规律,通过分析该病发生与番茄品种、定植期及传播介体烟粉虱之间的关系,并采用PCR技术对田间病原进行分子鉴定。结果表明,番茄黄化曲叶病毒病在8月中下旬至11月上中旬开始侵染,翌年3月中下旬发生再侵染,秋季病情减轻;烟粉虱种群数量与病害发生程度呈线性正相关;不同番茄品种对番茄黄化曲叶病毒(Tomato yellow leaf curl virus,TYLCV)的抗性差异显著,其中大番茄品种布鲁尼1288和DRW7728,小番茄品种千禧和美红对该病表现为免疫;分子检测结果表明,4个样品中均扩增出543 bp的特异片段,与NCBI数据库Gen Bank的TYLCV序列(登录号为GU084381、KC138544.1、KC138543.1和JX456642.1)的相似性达99%。研究表明,关中地区番茄病毒病为番茄黄化曲叶病毒病,番茄品种、定植期及烟粉虱发生动态是影响该病发生的主要因素。     

Tomato Breeding Lines Resistant and Tolerant to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus Issued from Lycopersicon hirsutum

ABSTRACT Two tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV)-resistant plants from accessions LA1777 and LA386 of the wild tomato species Lycopersicon hirsutum have been crossed. The resulting resistant F1 plants were crossed with the domesticated tomato L. esculentum, and a series of selfing was performed. At each generation, individuals were selected for resistance (no symptoms and undetectable viral DNA) and tolerance (no symptoms but with detectable viral DNA) following controlled massive and repeated inoculations with viruliferous whiteflies. A stable BC1F4 line (denominated 902) that does not segregate for resistance was obtained. This line does not support virus accumulation, even upon extensive whitefly-mediated inoculation of young seedlings, and does not need protection with nets or insecticides. Another stable BC1F4 line (denominated 908) was tolerant to the virus. Both lines have good horticultural characteristics and bear 80- to 120-g red fruits. Analysis of segregation of susceptibility, tolerance, and resistance during the BC1F1 to BC1F4 crosses indicated that tolerance is controlled by a dominant major gene and resistance by two to three additive recessive genes. The resistant and tolerant lines do not need to be protected by insecticides or nets.     

南疆温室番茄黄化曲叶病病毒种类的分子鉴定

为明确南疆温室番茄黄化曲叶病的病毒种类,利用双生病毒的兼并引物通过PCR扩增,对采集的20个番茄病株进行了分子检测.从20个病株中均扩增到约500 bp的目标片段,对其中4株进行克隆和测序,其相互间序列同源性为97.1％ ～99.3％,与番茄黄化曲叶病毒(Tomato yellow leaf curl virus,TYLCV)的同源性较高,为98.6％ ～ 99.5％.随机选取莎车分离物KS2-5进行全基因组的克隆和测序,KS2-5 DNA全长为2781 nt(序列号:JQ807735),具有典型的双生病毒基因组特征,与TYLCV其它分离物同源性达到98.9％～99.5％,而与其它粉虱传双生病毒的序列同源性较低,为68.3％ ～75.5％,表明危害南疆温室番茄的病毒种类为番茄黄化曲叶病毒TYLCV.     

Evidence of no horizontal or vertical transmission of tomato severe rugose virus by Bemisia tabaci MEAM1

Bemisia tabaci is important in agriculture worldwide, mainly because it is a vector of numerous plant viruses, probably the most important of which are members of the genus Begomovirus. Dozens of begomoviruses have been reported to infect tomato plants in Brazil, although tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV) predominates in tomato crops. ToSRV, found so far only in Brazil, is efficiently transmitted by B. tabaci MEAM1. However, no studies have assessed the occurrence of vertical and horizontal transmission of the virus in the insect, which may have epidemiological consequences affecting disease management. This study evaluated the possibility of transmission of ToSRV between whiteflies during copulation and transovarial transmission from viruliferous females of B. tabaci MEAM1 to their progeny. Transmission of ToSRV did not occur during mating between males and females of B. tabaci MEAM1. Aviruliferous males and females confined with viruliferous insects of the opposite sex were also unable to transmit the virus to tomato plants. ToSRV was detected, by PCR, in the ovaries of viruliferous females of B. tabaci MEAM1 but not in eggs, nymphs, or adults of the progeny of viruliferous females. Adult progeny of viruliferous females also did not transmit ToSRV to tomato plants. Together, the results indicate that vertical and horizontal transmission of ToSRV by B. tabaci MEAM1 is unlikely. Sustainable management of the tomato golden mosaic disease caused by ToSRV should continue to focus on using resistant varieties, managing sources of inoculum around tomato fields, and rational chemical control of the vector.     

Capsicum Species: Symptomless Hosts and Reservoirs of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus

ABSTRACT Five Capsicum species were tested for susceptibility to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and the mild strain of TYLCV (TYLCV-Mld). TYLCV was able to infect 30 of 55 genotypes of C. annuum, one of six genotypes of C. chinense, one of two genotypes of C. baccatum, and the only genotype of C. frutescens tested but was unable to infect the one genotype of C. pubescens tested. This is the first evidence for the susceptibility of C. baccatum, C. chinense, and C. frutescens to TYLCV. Unlike TYLCV isolates, TYLCV-Mld was unable to infect C. chinense. No host differences were observed between the Israeli and Florida isolates of TYLCV. None of the Capsicum species showed symptoms after infection with TYLCV or TYLCV-Mld. TYLCV was detected in fruits of C. annuum, but whiteflies were unable to transmit virus from fruits to plants. White-flies were able to transmit both TYLCV and TYLCV-Mld from infected pepper plants to tomato plants. Pepper plants in research plots were found infected with TYLCV at rates as much as 100%. These data demonstrate the ability of some genotypes of pepper to serve as reservoirs for the acquisition and transmission of TYLCV and TYLCV-Mld.