Question

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus is transmitted by

• A. Thrips
• B. Mites
• C. Whitefly
• D. Flea beetle

Hint:

As a general rule, all Begomovirus species (including TYLCV and Cotton Leaf Curl Virus) are transmitted by the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Plant viruses rely on specific biological vectors, primarily sap-sucking insects, for transmission between host plants.
Detailed Explanation:
Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) is a destructive plant virus belonging to the genus Begomovirus within the family Geminiviridae.
Begomoviruses are characterized by single-stranded DNA genomes and are transmitted by whiteflies.
The primary vector for TYLCV is the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (family Aleyrodidae).
The virus is transmitted in a persistent, circulative, non-propagative manner.
- Thrips (1) are vectors for tospoviruses (such as Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus).
- Mites (2) transmit viruses such as Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus.
- Flea beetles (4) primarily transmit tymoviruses.
Therefore, the whitefly is the vector for TYLCV.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus is transmitted by the whitefly.