Begomovirus (var.) scorecard

2317
Species:  Begomovirus (var.)
Contributor(s):
Impact
SpreadNotesScore
Spread Rate The tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, is prone to a large number of begomoviruses (Geminiviridae) and other virus and virus-like diseases. Many begomoviruses are quarantine pests for the United States. 5
Spread Amount ToSLCV and the other begomoviruses are transmitted between plants by whiteflies and are widespread in tomatoes and peppers. The begomoviruses are persistent in the whitefly and retained for anywhere from a few weeks to the entire life of the vector. 5
DamageNotesScore
Ecological causal organisms of diseases in Lycopersicon, Capsicum, Solanum, Chenopodium spp., Polygonum spp., Atriplex spp., Halogetum spp., Nicotiana spp., Lepidium (synonyms Senebiera, Coronopus) spp., Spergularia spp., Amaranthus spp., and Malva spp. 2
Agricultural High potential for severe damage to food and ornamental horticultural crops 5
Infrastructure 0
Cultural Impacts home gardens and landscapes. 2
Health 0
BenefitNotesScore
Ecological 0
Agricultural 0
Infrastructure 0
Cultural 0
Benefit Health 0
Ability to Respond
Ease of ResponseNotesScore
Detection Plant pathogens, including viruses and viroids are extremely difficult to detect during a port of entry inspection of the host plants, particularly in the absence of symptoms. 1
Control Eradication of Bemesia whiteflies is extremely difficult, and vectors bearing the disease are highly mobile. 2
Tools in PlaceNotesScore
Entry USDA Aphis imposes bans on importation of known host plants. Internal controls make spread likely due to difficult detection. 4
Control Additional control mandates are necessary 3
Outreach Outreach limited to growers in infested areas. Limited benefit to public awareness. 1
Scorecard Totals
Impact Total:
19
[Impact] = ([Spread] + [Damage] - [Benefit])
Ability to Respond Total:
11
[Ability to Respond] = ([Ease of Response] + [Tools in Place])
Confidence
Confidence:  low
Notes:
This complex of various diseases affecting Tomato is poorly understood despite significant threat. Added expert opinion required.