Tomato spotted wilt disease in Palestine

Tomato is one of the top popular crops in Palestine; infected with several pathogens where viruses are among them. Recently, fruit spotted symptoms were noticed on tomatoes fruits that drastically affected crop’s productivity. This study was conducted to detect Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) as the main known cause of fruit spotted disease. Field surveys were carried through the growing seasons of 2017-2018 in Palestinian tomatoes fields. Symptoms were reported on tomato plants that varied from fruits’ yellow and brown rings and/ or irregular spots patterns. In some cases, plants’ leaves expressed reduction in growth; mottling and/or wilting. Serological tests using DAS-ELISA technique was applied to detect TSWV on tomato plants which revealed an infection prevalence of 1.27%. This study is considered the first report of TSWV in the country. Knowing that the virus possibility of being transmitted by thrips; increased incidence due to this vector, as well as transmissibility through infected propagating materials could raise up its threat on tomato industry. The use of virus resistant tomato varieties is discussed in the study