Tobacco leaf curl virus (TLCV)
 

Tobacco leaf curl virus (TLCV) belongs to Geminiviridae, sub-group III, of Geminivirus genus (figure 1). This virus is transmitted by whiteflies, Bemisia tabaci (Aleyrodidae) which are the principal vectors (figure 2).

- Symptoms
 

Infected tobacco leaves are of small size, curled, twisted, with enations (figure 2) on the inner side of the lamina along the veins. The plants are often stunted.
 
 
- Characteristics
 
This virus is spread in many tropical and subtropical countries, less frequently in Europe and in America. Multiple hosts ensure its survival. This virus is different from tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). The control of vectors with insecticides and the destruction of plant virus reservoirs are the main control methods.