Rapid evolutionary dynamics of the Pepino mosaic virus - status and future perspectives

Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) has emerged as an important pathogen of greenhouse tomato crops and is currently distributed worldwide. Population genetic studies have revealed a shift in the dominant PepMV genotype from European (EU) to Chilean 2 (CH2) in North America and several European countries. New genetic variants are constantly being created by mutation and recombination events. Single nucleotide substitutions in different parts of the genome were found to affect on development of symptoms resulting in new pathotypes and accumulation of viral RNA. The variability of the PepMV population has a great impact on designing specific diagnostic tools and developing efficient and durable strategies of disease control. In this paper we review the current knowledge about the PepMV population, the evolutionary dynamics of this highly infective virus, methods for its detection and plant protection strategies.