Aldalain E. Variety of viral diseases Lycopersicon esculentum in Ukraine and molecular-biological characterization of zbudnykiv

Several major viruses endangering the production of tomatoes in Ukraine have been identified using ELISA and PCR as the most spread pathogens including Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). These data were confirmed by both bioassay (using specific test plants) and transmission electron microscopy. These viruses were repeatedly detected on various cultivars of tomatoes in different regions of Ukraine for several consecutive years. Random screening of commercially available tomato seed material allowed concluding that about 40% of the seeds were contaminated by ToMV and 15% - by CMV. Coupled with the ability of these viruses to be transmitted by seed, such high level of viral contamination of tomato seeds obviously underline the need for careful monitoring of both imported and domestic seed material for viruses before sawing.