Distribution of tobacco rattle virus and potato virus X in leaves, roots, and fruits and/or seeds of naturally-infected weeds

Abstract

Weeds in tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-infested potato fields were examined for TRV and potato virus X (PVX) with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Questionable positive reactions were evaluated with immunosorbent electron microscopy. Of 615 weeds, representing 28 species, sampled over a two-year period, four species contained only TRV, three were infected only with PVX and eight had both viruses. Tobacco rattle virus was located only in the roots of five species and PVX was found only in the foliage of five species. Seeds and/or fruits of three species contained TRV while two contained PVX. Only one weed species,Solanum sara choides, contained both viruses in all plant portions tested. Potato virus X was not detected in weeds within a field planted with PVX-free potato seed.