The distribution of cucumber mosaic virus in resistant and susceptible plants of pepper

Abstract

Immunofluorescence microscopy, azur A staining of viral inclusion bodies, and ELISA tests revealed differences between resistant and susceptible decapitated plants of pepper for virus distribution through the plant but not for virus multiplication and spread in the artificially inoculated leaves. Within 7 to 10 days after inoculation, viral antigens were detected with ELISA tests in all organs of the susceptible plants; only in inoculated leaves of highly resistant plants; and in inoculated leaves, primary stems, and primary roots of partially resistant plants. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that infection in petioles, stems, and roots of resistant varieties was restricted to one or two phloem bundles and did not spread to neighbouring tissues or to other plant organs. However, in some partially resistant plants the virus spread lately to other tissues and organs, resulting in a delayed systemic infection and mosaic symptoms on one or two axillary shoots.