Occurrence and Distribution of Tomato Mosaic Virus and Tomato Mottle Mosaic Virus in Greenhouse Tomato Production Areas of Eastern Mediterranean Region of Türkiye

The Mediterranean region of Türkiye represents one of the most productive and economically significant of greenhouse tomato production regions in the country. However, the sustainability of tomato production is constantly under threat by numerous pathogens, among which viral diseases are considered one of the most important constraints due to their potential to reduce yield and fruit quality. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence and distribution of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV) in greenhouse tomato production areas of Adana, Mersin and Kahramanmaraş provinces using a multiplex RT-PCR assay. A total of 300 leaf samples collected from symptomatic greenhouse tomato plants in Adana (90), Mersin (100), and Kahramanmaraş (110) were subjected to multiplex RT-PCR analysis for the simultaneous detection of TMV, ToMV, and ToMMV. TMV was not detected in any of the 300 samples examined, while ToMV and ToMMV were identified as the predominant tobamoviruses across all three provinces. ToMV was found in 25 samples (8.3%), whereas ToMMV was more widespread, detected in 34 samples (11.3%), and both viruses were most frequently encountered in Mersin.