Marco Di Domenico

Plant viral diseases threaten the tomato agricultural industry. A smart decentralized diagnostic network was realized across the main Sicilian tomato-producing provinces for real-time detection/monitoring of Begomovirus solanumdelhiense (tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus—ToLCNDV), transmitted by Bemisia tabaci, Tobamovirus fructirugosum (tomato brown rugose fruit virus—ToBRFV), Orthotospovirus tomatomaculae (tomato spotted wilt virus—TSWV) and Amalgavirus lycopersici (southern tomato virus—STV). The network deployed smart portable thermocyclers and ready-to-use molecular diagnostic kits (real-time RT-LAMP, RT-qPCR). Data were remotely analyzed and in situ application of the developed kits was evaluated. Results revealed widespread STV infection (>70%) across all provinces, a variable ToBRFV presence with higher incidence in Ragusa (65%) and Siracusa (55.6%) provinces, ToLCNDV mainly concentrated in Siracusa (61.4%) and Trapani (60.2%) provinces, and localized TSWV outbreaks. ToLCNDV detection in Bemisia tabaci MED specimens confirmed the vector’s role in field transmission (up to 100% incidence). Performance comparison between laboratory and point-of-care conditions showed comparable accuracy, specificity, robustness, and rapid, cost-effective virus detection/monitoring. This diagnostic network enhances early diagnosis and timely phytosanitary interventions in tomato crops. The system supports integrated management strategies by reducing diagnostic delays and improving outbreak containment, control measures application and agroecosystem stability.

The global increase in human population is driving a growing demand for food and encouraging the exploration of alternative resources, including edible insects. The insect farming sector is expanding rapidly for both human consumption and animal feed, and one of its main byproducts is insect excreta, known as frass. This material has potential use as an organic soil amendment within a circular economy framework and may also influence pest population dynamics. This study investigated the effects of frass produced by Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus) on plant growth and on the population density of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Frass was characterized for its physicochemical properties and applied at 3 doses to the growing substrate of tomato, sweet pepper and eggplant plants. Morphological and physiological traits such as plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and plant biomass were evaluated. In addition, semi-field trials were conducted on artificially infested plants to assess general trends in whitefly population density in relation to the presence of frass. Overall, the use of frass as a soil amendment improved plant growth parameters across all tested species. The presence and dose of frass also influenced the general pattern of whitefly population density, with responses varying according to both host plant and amendment level.