Survey for viruses infecting onion, garlic and leek crops in Iran

Abstract

Surveys to identify virus diseases affecting garlic (Allium sativum), onion (Allium cepa) and Persian leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. persicum) were conducted from 1999 to 2002. Surveys covered different regions of Iran (Tehran [different vegetable markets, farmer fields and cultivation areas], Noushahr, Chalous, Roudbar, Sari, Hamadan, Touyserkan, Ghazvin and Jiroft). A total of 2045 (1285 garlic, 525 onion and 230 leek) samples showing symptoms of virus infection were collected and tested by ELISA; and in some cases tests were also confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) for the presence of Allium viruses. ELISA results showed that the following viruses were detected: Onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV), Leek yellow stripe virus (LYSV) (genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae), Garlic common latent virus (GarCLV), Shallot latent virus (SLV) (genus Carlavirus), Garlic virus D (GarV‐D), Garlic virus B (GarV‐B) and Garlic virus C type (GarV‐C) (genus Allexivirus). None of the samples reacted with antibodies to Shallot yellow stripe virus (SYSV) genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae), Shallot virus X (ShVX) and Garlic virus A (GarV‐A, genus Allexivirus). GarCLV, SLV, GarV‐D, GarV‐B and GarV‐C are reported for the first time from Allium crops in Iran.