Detection of Viruses Infecting Tomatoes in Cross River State and its Effect on Physiological Growth Parameters

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a crop grown for its fruits. It has been reported to play very important role in nutrition and medicine. However, the production of this crop is constrained by viral pathogens which can reduced the quality and quantity of yield produced. Virus like symptoms were observed in tomato fields during the 2024 planting season across tomato growing regions in Cross River State. This study was carried out to detected viruses infecting tomato and its effect on growth. The infected leaf samples were obtained and analysed through ACP ELISA using virus specific antisera. Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV), Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and Tomato Ring Spot Virus (ToRSV) were detected. Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) was further used to test the effect on selected growth parameters of tomatoes at 9 and 21 days after planting. The result revealed significant reduction on plant height, leaf number, fresh and dry left weight at 9 days after planting. There is need for strategic management efforts to control these viruses and ensure food security.