ARS | Publication request: Sweet Potato Leaf Curl Virus: Efficiency of Whitefly Transmission

Submitted to: National Sweetpotato Collaborators Group Progress Report
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 11, 2007
Publication Date: January 19, 2008
Citation: Simmons, A.M., Ling, K., Harrison Jr, H.F., Jackson, D.M. 2008. Sweet Potato Leaf Curl Virus: Efficiency of Whitefly Transmission. National Sweetpotato Collaborators Group Progress Report 2007. P6.

Technical Abstract: The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a widespread pest. It is highly adaptive and feeds on taxonomically diverse species of plants. This whitefly damages plants directly by feeding on leaves, but the problem is compounded because B. tabaci is known to vector numerous plant viruses, including Begomoviruses (Geminiviridae). Sweet Potato Leaf Curl Virus (SPLCV) is transmitted by this whitefly. However, information on the efficiency of its transmission by B. tabaci is lacking. Laboratory experiments were conducted on viral transmission, acquisition, and retention of the SPLCV on Ipomoea setosa or sweetpotato seedlings by B. tabaci. Symptom observations on indicator plants (I. setosa) and Real-time PCR techniques were used. Data on transmission, acquisition, and retention will be presented. The findings will help in the epidemiology of SPLCV in the sweetpotato field.