Characterization of Environmental Conditions Conducive for theDevelopment of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) and Tomato Leaf CurlVirus Disease

Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV), a whitefly-vectored begomovirus, is a major limiting factor for tomato production worldwide. Yields of field-grown tomatoes vary considerably under tropical conditions but the main factors that limit yields remain to be identified. Characterization of environmental conditions conducive whitefly population and tomato leaf curl virus disease showed positively significant correlation of temperature with whitefly population and TLCVD while negatively significant correlation with relative humidity. Rain fall and wind speed showed non-significant correlation with whitefly population and disease incidence.