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Control of the Bemisia tabaci / Tomato yellow leaf curl virus complex on protected tomato crops in Algarve (Portugal) *
Author(s) -
Arsénio A. F.,
Neto E.,
Ramos N.,
Mangerico S.,
Fortunato E.,
Stigter L.,
Fernandes J. E.,
Lavadinho A. M. P.,
Louro D.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
eppo bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.327
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1365-2338
pISSN - 0250-8052
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2338.2002.d01-26.x
Subject(s) - tomato yellow leaf curl virus , whitefly , biology , infestation , horticulture , agronomy , pest analysis , crop , leaf curl , pest control , biological pest control , plant virus , virus , virology
The whitefly Bemisia tabaci has been a serious pest in protected tomato crops since 1995 in the south of Portugal (Algarve), causing severe losses mainly resulting from Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), first reported in the autumn/winter season. In order to manage and control the B. tabaci /TYLCV complex, experimental field trials were carried out between 1997 and 2000. Several control methods were tested, such as the application of white screen nets to windows and doors, chemical treatments against B. tabaci and the use of cucumber as a trap crop. The results show that the percentage of plants with TYLCV symptoms mainly reflects B. tabaci infestation level in the first 6 weeks. Screen net protection was the control method that clearly provided a low incidence of plants with TYLCV symptoms in the autumn/winter season. Additionally, insecticide treatments, made weekly in the first 6 weeks, may give improved protection. In the winter/spring season, the B. tabaci /TYLCV complex is a minor problem because of the low populations of B. tabaci and the climatic conditions. Information about the work in progress and results was given to growers through visits to the experimental fields and oral presentations.