Abstract

ORTIZ SANCHEZ, Yatzari L.; OSORIO BURGOS, Orlando O.  and  DIAZ VERGARA, Maira E.. Molecular detection of begomovirus in weeds associated with tomato crops in Panama. Acta Agron. [online]. 2019, vol.68, n.4, pp.319-325. ISSN 0120-2812.  https://doi.org/10.15446/acag.v68n4.77945.

Los Santos district is the main producer of tomato in Panama and has been reported in recent years up to 100% infestation with begomovirus (Geminiviridae). The objective of this study was to identify alternate hosts of begomovirus in weeds associated with tomato crops, throughout the year. During 2016-2017 season, 110 samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic weeds were collected into tomato crops from 10 villages sited in the district of Los Santos. Begomovirus detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique using the degenerate primers AVCORE 494 and ACCORE 1048. Of the total collected, thirty-seven samples were positive belonging to 10 species and six families. Species with the highest prevalence of infection, were: Physalis angulata, Mimosa sp. and Amaranthus dubius (100%), Calopogonium mucunoides (78%), Rhynchosia minima (67%), Cleome viscosa (60%), Amaranthus spinosus (50%), Hybanthus attenuatus (50%), Malvastrum americanum (25%) and Malachra alceifolia (17%), listed in descending order. To our knowledge, this is the first report of weeds A. dubius, A. spinosus, C. mucunoides, C. viscosa, H. attenuatus, M. alceifolia, M. americanum and P. angulata as host of begomovirus associated with tomato crops in Panama. These results indicate that the predominant weeds in the tomato crops of Los Santos district are reservoir of begomovirus throughout the year.

Keywords : Alternative host; Bemisia tabaci; Geminivirus; Solanum lycopersicum.

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