An exotic strain of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) has recently been detected in several vegetable production areas of Queensland. To date, this virus appears to be widespread in South-East Queensland and in the Bundaberg region. Diseases caused by similar strains of TYLCV are known to cause severe economic losses in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) crops overseas. Yield losses of up to 100% have been recorded in greenhouse tomato crops of Southern Europe and the Middle East. It is considered to be the most important cause of tomato crop losses in these regions.

The contents of this Primefact include:

• Background and importance
• What other plants can be infected by TYLCV?
• How is TYLCV spread?
• Symptoms in plants infected by TYLCV
• How do we control TYLCV?
• Acknowledgments and further reading