Association of malva vein-clearing virus and rhabdoviruslike particles with mottle and vein clearing of malva plants

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Thin sections of malva (Malva sp.) leaves collected in the field and showing mottle and vein-clearing symptoms were examined by electron microscopy. Cytoplasmic inclusions typical of potyvirus and consisting of pinwheels, laminated aggregates, and scrolls were readily observed. In addition, rhabdoviruslike particles were also seen in the perinuclear space of phloem parenchyma cells and within membranous sacs scattered throughout the cytoplasm of other vascular bundle cells. Occasionally rhabdoparticles could be found embedded in an amorphous electron-dense body located within the cell vacuole. The rhabdovirus particles, approximately 75 × 300 nm, were bound by a membrane with outer projections and had an inner core displaying cross striations. The cytoplasm of infected mesophyll cells had chloroplasts containing large amorphous inclusion bodies and had extensive membranous tubules that were frequently associated with the potyvirus inclusions. These ultrastructural aspects, the size of the particles, and the data on host range indicate that malva plants under study were doubly infected by viruses which were tentatively identified as malva vein-clearing virus and a previously undescribed rhabdovirus.