Oman: a case for a sink of begomoviruses of geographically diverse origins

• Begomoviruses have recently emerged as a problem for agriculture in Oman.
• Most viruses and/or satellites now present in Oman have their origins outside the country.
• Novel viruses and satellite interactions are evolving.
• Oman is a transport hub with a risk of further disseminating viruses.
• Greater phytosanitary measures are required.

Oman is a trading nation and intensive agriculture is only a recent phenomenon. Exotic geminiviruses have recently emerged as a constraint to horticultural crops, and can be traced to trade and human migration. Greater phytosanitary precautions need to be implemented to limit future problems and prevent their outward spread.