Gaetano Iacono

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.