Episomal detection of Banana streak OL virus in single and mixed infection with Cucumber mosaic virus in banana 'Nanicão Jangada'

Abstract

Banana streak virus (BSV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) are commonly found in all banana growing-areas of the world. These viruses cause diseases that lead to yield reduction and constrain plant breeding and distribution of Musa germplasm. Most of the diagnostic methods targeting BSV can generate dubious results because of the considerable genetic and serological diversity among BSV isolates and the presence of integrated BSV sequences in the banana plant. Both viruses are usually detected in single and mixed infections in banana plantations in the north region of Parana state using DAS-ELISA and PCR. A rolling-circle amplification protocol tested in this study allowed specific detection and identification of an episomal BSV isolate infecting Nanicao Jangada cultivar, thus confirming the occurrence of Banana streak OL virus in Brazil.