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Whitefly-Transmitted DiseasesWhiteflies damage crops in a number of ways. First, direct damage is caused by the feeding of nymphs and adults which results in removal of plant sap, the breakdown of stem and leaf tissue, and physiological damage such as stunting and chlorosis. The whiteflies then secrete a substance known as 'honeydew', which accumulates on the plant and nourishes the growth of molds such as black sooty mold. Lastly, whiteflies transmit several serious plant pathogens. Bemisia tabaci is known to transmit more than 100 plant diseases. Approximately 90% are geminiviruses of the genus Begomovirus and include:
Whiteflies also transmit criniviruses, such as cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus and sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus; ipomoviruses, such as cassava brown streak virus and sweet potato mild mottle virus; and carlaviruses, such as cowpea mild mottle virus. In tropical and subtropical regions, crops particularly affected by whitefly-transmitted diseases include cassava, beans, cucurbits, peppers, and tomatoes. Sources:AVRDC. 2001. 'Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (ToLCV)'
Global Invasive Species Database. 2005. 'Bemisia tabaci (insect) Impacts.'
Jones, D. 2003. 'Plant viruses transmitted by whiteflies.'
McAuslane, H. 1997. Featured Creatures. University of Florida.
Morales, F. 2001. 'Breeding for resistance to whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses.'
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