A Brief Description of Tomato Leaf Curl Virus and Its Management

Abstract

The tomato crop is affected by various biotic and abiotic factors. Among the biotic factors, Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (TLCV) is one of the most devastating viruses of tomato. The virus belongs to Begomovirus and family Gemniniviridae. The genome of virus is single-stranded-DNA. It is naturally transmitted through whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). The virus is responsible for causing severe economic losses up to 80% in tomato crop-growing regions and continuously threatening the tomato crops. The increasing severity of TLCV has compelled plant virologists to develop accurate detection and identification of the virus. TLCV is responsible for certain biochemical changes and considerably affecting the plant growth. Tomato Leaf Curl Virus is significantly influenced physiological parameters and metabolic activities of all tomato varieties. The biochemical changes of cellular components are caused due to morphological deviation of infected virus plants, and symptoms expressed by the plants can determine the magnitude of the vegetable losses. It is evident from the previous reports, that nutrients were effective in reducing TLCV from a tomato plant. Moreover, the usage of resistant varieties and controlling of whitefly population and management of TLCV by different nutrients are some of the economical and recommendable ways to manage TLCV. Among the organic management strategies, the compost is also considered best in suppressing disease severity. Moreover, epidemiology plays a vital role in the spread and progress of the disease. Keeping in view the importance of TLCV and its effects on tomato crop, the present review will highlight the etiology, physiology and management of TLCV.