Various diseases threaten tomato production; especially those caused by viruses of the genera Begomovirus, Tospovirus and Potyvirus. A survey on the major viral diseases occurring on tomatoes in the Federal District was carried out using PCR and DAS-ELISA. Out of 54 evaluated samples, the most prevalent virus was Pepper yellow mosaic virus, a potyvirus responsible for heavy losses in sweetpepper production in Brazil. This result highlights the increasing importance of this virus on the tomato crop. Since the symptoms caused by PepYMV infection are similar to those caused by begomoviruses, the use of a proper detection technique is recommended in addition to visual evaluation of symptoms.
Solanum lycopersicum; vegetables; diagnosis
