Serological and molecular identification of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus in Khuzestan province of Iran

Abstract

A survey was conducted from 2006 to 2007 to identify the causal agent of leaf curling of tomato in eight major tomato-growing areas of Khuzestan province in southwest of Iran. Tomato leaf samples showing leaf curling, yellowing, and stunting were collected and screened for the presence of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) by TAS-ELISA. Further confirmation was completed using graft transmission onto healthy tomato plants and PCR. Results confirmed that TYLCV is a causal agent of tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD) and is widely distributed in all the major tomato growing areas in southwest of Iran. The nucleotide sequences of the coat protein (CP) gene of four isolates (Dezfoul, Shoush, Behbahan, and Ramhormoz) were determined and deposited in GenBank (EF199814-7). Phylogenetic analysis of the CP gene further showed that all four Iranian isolates have very close relationship and formed a Compact cluster together with previously sequenced Iranian TYLCV isolates.