+44-7897-074717Anastase H, Anatole N, Judith U, Jeanne U
In Rwanda the tamarillo plant Cyphomandra betacea Cav. is mostly grown in the Northern Province by smallholder farmers. They only point out problems of aphid prolonged attacks. However, visual symptoms indicate that tamarillo plant may suffer from both arthropods and phytoviruses. It is important to gather more information on virus infections in tamarillo orchards. We randomly collected samples from plants which had visual symptoms that indicated the presence of phytovirus infections. Samples were analysed in Laboratory of Rwanda Agriculture Board, using Double Antibody Sandwich Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay. We used antibodies specific to the group of Potyvirus because C. betacea plant belongs to the family of Solanaceae, which is mostly infected by potyviruses. Positive samples were also analysed using monoclonal antibodies. Results revealed that tamarillo trees have been infected by Potyviruses. Among positive samples, we additionally identified the Potato Virus A and Potato Virus Y that are often potato plant viruses. The potyvirus infections in tamarillo orchards must be reconfirmed using both molecular method (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and biological indexing on indicator plants. These results could be very helpful in management of potyvirus infections in tamarillo plants and help smallholder famers choosing alternative control methods instead of using pesticides.
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