| dc.description.abstract | Geminiviruses are plant viruses characterized by a single-stranded circular DNA (ssDNA) genome encapsidated in twin icosahedral particles. These viruses are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and have been reported to cause significant yield losses in various crops, including legumes, tomato, chili, cucumber, and cassava. In particular, severe epidemics of geminivirus diseases have been recorded in tomato-producing regions such as Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Florida, and Central America, where infections are transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. In Israel, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a member of the Geminiviridae family, has caused up to 100% yield loss in susceptible tomato cultivars when infection occurs at early growth stages. Similar outbreaks have also been reported in Texas, where disease incidence is strongly associated with high populations of B. tabaci. The widespread distribution and efficient transmission of geminiviruses by whitefly vectors make them a major constraint in vegetable production systems worldwide, leading to severe economic impacts and crop failures in affected regions. | |
