Article / A brief review on the emerging tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) infecting cucurbits in the Mediterranean Basin

Patthamapornsirikul, A., Desbiez, C., Siriwan, W., Verdin, E. (in press) A brief review on the emerging tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) infecting cucurbits in the Mediterranean Basin. European Journal of Plant Pathology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-025-03149-3

Résumé : Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV, Begomovirus solanumdelhiense) is an emerging and highly destructive pathogen that poses a significant threat to several crops worldwide, particularly within the Mediterranean basin. Whereas Asian ToLCNDV isolates have a broad host range among cultivated and wild plants and are genetically diverse, ToLCNDV in the Mediterranean basin shows a limited molecular diversity suggestive of a unique introduction, and a host range in crops mostly restricted to cucurbits such as zucchini, cucumber, and melon. The virus is primarily transmitted by the members of the Bemisia tabaci species complex, known for their widespread distribution and ability to develop resistance to chemical insecticides. ToLCNDV-infected plants commonly exhibit severe symptoms, such as leaf curling, puckering, yellowing, mosaic pattern, and stunted growth, which result in substantial yield losses. The interactions of ToLCNDV with other viruses common in the Mediterranean Basin can play a crucial role in disease severity. Co-infections with other begomoviruses often lead to synergistic effects, exacerbating disease severity and challenging management efforts. In contrast, antagonistic interactions with viruses from other genera can modify infection outcomes and potentially limit ToLCNDV's impact. Despite advances in identifying resistant cucurbit accessions, particularly in melon, cucumber, and squash, challenges remain in fully understanding the effectiveness and mechanism of these resistances against ToLCNDV. This gap highlights the importance of ongoing research into the ToLCNDV pathogenesis and plant resistance mechanisms to develop more effective and sustainable disease management strategies. Further insights into virus-host interactions, resistance durability, and resistance mechanisms are essential for advancing control measures to combat this destructive pathogen effectively.