FIRST REPORT OF TOMATO BUSHY STUNT VIRUS (TOMBUSVIRUS) INFECTING IRRIGATED TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum [L.]) IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The detection of Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) infecting tomato plants in Sudan savanna region (Gombe, Jigawa and Kano) of Nigeria is reported in this study. In 2017 and 2018 dry seasons, three farms each from three major tomato producing Local Government Areas (LGAs) in each state were surveyed. Forty symptomatic and asymptomatic tomato leaf samples per farm (n=2160) were collected in five quadrants measuring 4m x 4m in size and indexed against TBSV using double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent serological assay. The results obtained indicated that TBSV occurred in all the states surveyed. In Gombe, TBSV incidence was found to be significantly higher (P =0.05) in Yamaltu-Deba LGA (16.0 %) followed by Akko (14.0 %) while Kaltungo had the lowest incidence of 12.1%. Kura LGA had the highest virus incidence (18.0 %) followed by Garun Mallam (10.7%) while the least incidence (6.5 %) was recorded at Bagwai in Kano State. In Jigawa, the highest virus incidence of 13.0 % was recorded at Kirikasama LGA followed by Kazaure (9.5%) while Hadejia had the least incidence of 5.2%. Among the States surveyed for TBSV, Gombe had the highest (P = 0.05) virus incidence (14.0 %) followed by Kano (11.7 %) while the least incidence (9.2%) was recorded in Jigawa. This is the first report of TBSV on tomato in northern Nigeria. Awareness programs need to be organized for tomato farmers on the incidence and management of the virus disease.