Further Molecular Diagnosis Determines Lack of Evidence for Real Seed Transmission of Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus in Cucurbits

Begomoviruses (family Geminiviridae) cause serious diseases in many crop families. Since 2013, the Spanish isolate of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) has been a limiting factor for cucurbits production in the Mediterranean basin, forcing farmers to adapt new management and control techniques. Although it is well-known that begomoviruses are naturally transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, the capacity of these viruses to be vertically transmitted through seeds remains controversial. Clarifying the potential ToLCNDV seed transmission is essential to understand the epidemiology of this threating-for-cucurbits virus and to design appropriate control strategies. We assessed ToLCNDV distribution in the leaves, flowers and seeds of the infected plants of susceptible Cucumis melo accessions and toleration to the infected genotypes of Cucurbita moschata by conventional and quantitative PCR. We analyzed whether the viral particle was transmitted to offspring. We also evaluated ToLCNDV presence in commercial seeds of cucurbits (zucchini (Cucurbita pepo), melon (C. melo), cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)) and in their progenies. As the assayed seedlings remained symptomless, we increased the reliability and accuracy of detection in these samples by searching for replicative forms of ToLCNDV by combining Southern blot hybridization and rolling-circle amplification (RCA). However, integral genomic DNA was not identified in the plants of offspring. Although the seedborne nature of ToLCNDV was confirmed, our results do not support the transmission of this virus from contaminated seeds to progeny.

Intraocular lens implantation in eyes with Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the results of cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis.

SETTING

Saint-Victor Hospital, Amiens, France.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of 93 patients (94 eyes) with heterochromic iridocyclitis who had cataract extraction and IOL implantation by the same surgeon. In six patients, the IOL was placed in the anterior chamber; 9 received Binkhorst four-loop IOLs sutured at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, and 79 received posterior chamber IOLs, 15 in the sulcus and 64 in the capsular bag. Follow-up was from 6 months to 10 years (mean 41 months).

RESULTS

Precipitates on the IOL surface and white keratic precipitates were detected in 65.5% of eyes. Most eyes had minimal anterior segment activity. No severe uveitis was observed. The major problem, observed in 12.3% of the patients, was glaucoma. Best corrected postoperative visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 76.6% of eyes.

CONCLUSION

Eyes with heterochromic iridocyclitis responded well to cataract extraction with IOL implantation. The restoration of satisfactory binocular vision justifies IOL implantation in patients with Fuchs' unilateral syndrome.