Resumo

FARIA R, A.E  e  NAVA, A. Begomovirus detection on tomato crop grown in Venezuelan Andes by PCR. Rev. Fac. Agron. [online]. 2009, vol.26, n.2, pp.179-195. ISSN 0378-7818.

Begomoviruses in tomato production have been a serious problem for several years in Venezuela, and the situation has been aggravated with the insect vector (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) introduction. Development of molecular diagnostic techniques has been a valuable tool for early and accurate detection of begomoviruses in plants. To determine the begomoviruses presence in tomatoes grown in the Andean production areas in Venezuela, 94 samples with virus-like symptoms were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted by CTAB (Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide) method. Begomovirus detection was performed using degenerated primers for each viral component. Based on expected PCR products, begomovirus was detected in 38% of samples. The most frequent symptoms associated with the begomoviruses presence were mosaic, yellow vein, leaf curlin, and stunting plant. The begomoviruses are still a limitation for tomato crops. Therefore, it is required to study the variability and distribution of these viruses in order to develop strategies for adequate tomato crop management.

Palavras-chave : Geminivirus; polymerase chain reaction; Lycopersicon esculentum.