Abstract

MARTINEZ, Yamila et al. STUDY OF THE FACTORS INFLUENCING ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF THE WHITEFLY-GEMINIVIRUS COMPLEX IN THE EASTERN REGION OF CUBA. Rev. Protección Veg. [online]. 2009, vol.24, n.1, pp. 47-50. ISSN 2224-4697.

The integrated pest management (IPM) program for the control of the whitefly-geminivirus complex of tomato crop was established in the 90 s. However there are some regions showing high indexes of begomoviruses, particularly tomato yellow leaf curl virus TYLCV-IL(CU) in tomato crops. Twenty-eight fields were surveyed to evaluate the main factors that still cause severe losses in this crop in the eastern region of Cuba. The results were statistically analyzed and allowed to determine that the high severity of the infection was directly associated with to the continuous planting of tomato or other crops harboring either whiteflies or begomoviruses, and with high densities of Bemisia tabaci population. However, the efficient agricultural practices and other factors like the geographical location of the production fields and the planting date were significantly influencing on the low incidence and severity of begomovirus symptoms. These results showed that the integrated pest management program still requires new strategies; and the main factors to be considered for strengthening the IPM program for the control of the whitefly-geminivirus complex in this region are identified.

Keywords : epidemiology; whitefly-geminivirus complex; TYLCV.

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