A tospovirus was identified in tomato plants from two counties in Florida by reverse transcription-PCR and sequencing of portions of the S, M and L genomic segments. The predicted amino-acid sequences of the N protein of PCR products from four plant samples were >96% identical to those of TCSV. Partial nucleic acid sequences of the L and M RNA were >97% identical to those reported for TCSV isolates. Extracts from field samples infected test plants and produced symptoms similar to those reported for TCSV. This is the first report of an isolate of TCSV in Florida and in the USA.

Membros do gênero Begomovirus, família Geminiviridae, estão entre os vírus mais importantes que infetam plantas nas regiões tropicais e subtropicais do mundo. Nas Américas, begomovirus vêm causando danos significativos especialmente para a produção de tomates (Lycopersicon esculentum). Inúmeros novos vírus têm sido relatados na região, e ao menos um, o Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), foi introduzido do Velho Continente através de plântulas infetadas. Além disso, recombinação aparentemente é um fator importante contribuindo para uma maior diversidade desses vírus, dificultando seu controle. Esta situação levou à procura de medidas de controle que vão além das normalmente utilizadas como resistência genética, controle químico e cultural. Nesta revisão, além de medidas tradicionais de controle de begomovirus, são discutidas principalmente estratégias de controle alternativas, como a utilização de plantas transgênicas, assim como os mecanismos envolvidos em tais estratégias

Viruses of to the family Geminiviridae are considered some of the most important pathogens in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Members of one Geminiviridae genus, Begomovirus, have been causing severe losses, particularly in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) production in the Americas and the Caribbean. Several new begomoviruses have been reported in the region and, at least one, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), has been brought in from the Old World via infected transplants. In addition, the recombination events that are playing an important role in Begomovirus diversity have increased the complexity of their control. This scenario has led to the search for control measures that go beyond traditional host genetic resistance, chemical controls and cultural practices. In this review, besides the recommended classical control measures, transgenic approaches will be discussed, as well as the mechanisms involved in their successful control of viruses.