Detection and Molecular Characterization of Chickpea Chlorotic Dwarf Virus and Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus in Morocco

The chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus (CpCDV) (from the genus Mastrevirus and the family Geminiviridae) and tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) (from the genus Begomovirus and the family Geminiviridae) represent an important threat to different crops worldwide, as they are emerging viruses in the Asian continent, were introduced to the Mediterranean region in 2012, and were then reported in Morocco in 2017 and 2018. The present study addresses the dispersion of the CpCDV and the ToLCNDV and evaluates the genetic diversity of the Moroccan isolates of both viruses. A total of 1333 symptomatic leaf plant samples were analyzed by PCR. The study has reported the detection of the ToLCNDV in melon and tomato, as well as the CpCDV in squash crops for the first time in Morocco. Blast analysis of selected representative isolates showed a 97-99% nucleotide identity with the ToLCNDV and the CpCDV infecting different crops in the Mediterranean region. Phylogenetic analysis showed low variability among the Moroccan isolates for the ToLCNDV compared to the Spanish and Italian isolates, whereas the CpCDV strains were variable regarding strains reported in Tunisia and Egypt. Recombination analysis showed the presence of the ToLCNDV recombinant strains with variable parents. The spread of both geminiviruses represents a threat to different crop production, requiring the development of crop protection and management strategies. To prevent viral outbreaks, restrictive phytosanitary measures and the development of resistance strategies are also necessary.