Question

Pseudo Curly Top disease of tomato is transmitted by
(A) Bemisia tabaci
(B) Micrutalis malleifera
(C) Frankliniella occidentalis
(D) Passalora fulva
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) and (B) only
• (A) and (C) only
• (B) only
• (A) and (D) only

Hint:

Tomato Pseudo-Curly Top is unique because it is transmitted by a treehopper (Micrutalis malleifera), rather than a whitefly or leafhopper. This is a common question on competitive exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Most plant viruses in the family Geminiviridae are transmitted by whiteflies, leafhoppers, or aphids.
However, some atypical geminiviruses are transmitted by other groups of sap-sucking insects.
Detailed Explanation:
Tomato Pseudo-Curly Top Virus (TPCTV) is a plant virus belonging to the genus Topocuvirus within the family Geminiviridae.
Unlike typical begomoviruses (transmitted by whiteflies) or curtoviruses (transmitted by leafhoppers), TPCTV has a unique insect vector.
It is transmitted in a persistent manner by the treehopper species {Micrutalis malleifera (Fowler) (family Membracidae) (B).
- Bemisia tabaci (A) is the vector for begomoviruses (e.g., Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl).
- Frankliniella occidentalis (C) is a thrips species that transmits tospoviruses.
- Passalora fulva (D) is a pathogenic fungus that causes tomato leaf mold and does not transmit viruses.
Therefore, only statement (B) is correct.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Tomato Pseudo-Curly Top Virus is transmitted by Micrutalis malleifera, corresponding to (B) only (option 3).