Occurrence Of Cucumber Mosaic Virus Research Articles

Natural occurrence of cucumber mosaic virus infecting Adenium obesum plants in Brazil

AbstractIn 2022, virus‐like symptoms were observed in Adenium obesum plants in Brazil. High‐throughput sequencing analysis found three contig sequences of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) genome segments, which were of 3352, 3006 and 2221 nucleotides, and shared 98.59%, 95.02% and 98.05% nucleotide identities with the nucleotide sequences of CMV RNAs 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the coat protein gene indicated that the CMV isolate belongs to the subgroup IB. Symptoms of mottle like those observed in the field samples were reproduced on mechanically inoculated plants of A. obesum, and RT‐PCR confirmed the CMV infection. CMV was transmitted by Aphis gossypii to A. obesum plants. This is the first report of CMV infecting A. obesum plants in Brazil.

Natural occurrence of cucumber mosaic virus infecting Physalis peruviana plants in Brazil

In 2020, virus-like symptoms such as leaf size reduction, mosaic, and blistering were observed in Physalis peruviana plants in Brazil. Isometric particles ca. 30 nm in diameter were observed by transmission electron microscope in leaf extracts of field-symptomatic plants. Based on molecular assays and nucleotide sequencing of amplicons, cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, genus Cucumovirus) was identified in mixed infection with physalis rugose mosaic virus (PhyRMV, genus Sobemovirus). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the CMV belongs to the subgroup IA. Symptoms like those of field symptomatic plants were observed on mechanically inoculated plants of P. peruviana. RT-PCR confirmed CMV and PhyRMV infection. CMV was transmitted by Aphis gossypii to P. peruviana plants. This is the first report of CMV infecting P. peruviana plants in Brazil.

Endemic Atlantic Forest species of Caryophyllales as inhibitors of viral infection in zucchini

ABSTRACT In Brazil, zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is a socioeconomically important vegetable affected by damage caused primarily by zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). Although the occurrence of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is less frequent, in C. pepo ‘Caserta’ plants it can cause symptoms such as mottle, mosaic, leaf and fruit distortion, as well as reduced plant development. To minimize the damage, the most widely used management technique is the preventive, albeit inefficient, application of insecticides, aimed at controlling aphids, the vectors of this virus. Thus, the search for more effective and less environmentally harmful control methods has been the target of investigations. The purpose of the present study was to assess the action of the extracts of four native Caryophyllales species, as inhibitors of infection by CMV and ZYMV in C. pepo, in addition to evaluating the possible induced resistance in this species. Fresh leaf extracts (LEs) of Guapira opposita, Pisonia ambigua (Nyctaginaceae), Gallesia integrifolia and Seguieria langsdorffii (Phytolaccaceae), previously assessed in the tobacco mosaic virus / Nicotiana glutinosa pathosystem, were submitted to progressive dilutions sprayed on cotyledonary C. pepo leaves 30 min before inoculation with CMV and ZYMV. Leaf extracts of G. integrifolia did not induce inhibition in any of the pathosystems assessed. Guapira opposita LEs inhibited the infection of plants inoculated with ZYMV below 50% but inhibited CMV infection by 70% at a concentration of 1:40. Given that leaf extracts of P. ambigua and S. langsdorffii induced high percentage inhibition, evident in the number of asymptomatic plants and confirmed by serological tests, these species were selected to assess induced resistance in pre-treatment experiments. The LEs were efficient in inhibiting ZYMV and CMV infection in C. pepo when applied up to 48 h before inoculation. The LEs of S. langsdorffii and G. opposita, also tested for this system, were efficient when applied up to 72 h before CMV inoculation. The LEs can be prepared from dry leaves and maintained at -20°C for at least three years, conserving their inhibitory activity. These results expand the possibilities for producers and consumers alike in the sustainable management of the main zucchini viruses, without damaging the environment.

Characterization of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) subgroup IB infecting chilli in Tamil Nadu, India.

CMV (cucumber mosaic virus) is the most primitive virus infecting chilli (Capsicum annuum. L). The mosaic incidence with leaf filiformity, mosaic mottling and stunted growth was observed in major chilli growing regions of Tamil Nadu. CMV sap was inoculated on chilli, cowpea, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, banana, cucumber, Nicotiana and Chenopodium plants. Host range studies revealed that CMV produced localized infection on Nicotiana and systemic symptoms on most of the test plants. The occurrence of CMV was confirmed through DAC-ELISA and RT-PCR analysis. Host plant samples tested with DAC-ELISA showed strong reaction with 1.7 optical density. For molecular characterization, total RNA isolated from infected plants used in RT-PCR with CMV specific primers. The specific amplicons were cloned and sequenced. The complete genome sequencing depicts CMV-RNA1 consist of 3339 nucleotides (nt), RNA2 and RNA3 with 3052nt and 2027nt respectively. Phylogenetic and nucleotide sequence analysis showed TN CMV isolates closely associated with subgroup IB rather than subgroup IA and II. Comparative sequence analysis indicates replicase protein to be more variable among five genes. CP sequence analysis showed 97-98 per cent identity with subgroup IB strains, 92-93 per cent identity with subgroup IA strains and 81-82 per cent identity with subgroup II strains. CMV-RNA3 was predicted to have recombination with Indian black pepper isolate (KU947031) between 165-505nt and Egyptian tomato isolate (KX014666) between 165-506nt positions.

Natural occurrence of cucumber mosaic virus in Ogeira (Eleutheranthera ruderalis) in Nigeria

Plant viruses are difficult to control and cause increasing losses of horticultural crops as many weeds species are implicated as reservoir hosts of a number of plant viruses. A viral disease causing yellow mosaic Ogeira (Eleutheranthera ruderalis) was prevalent at the experimental fields of the National Horticultural research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan Nigeria. To detect the virus, leaf samples were collected across different locations in NIHORT. It was found that cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was detected in 10 of 15 symptomatic samples by Antigen-coated plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACP-ELISA). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis with CMV-specific primers was positive in all tested samples. Nucleotide sequences of the obtained amplicons showed 95–88% similarity to corresponding sequences of CMV isolates deposited in the GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using 10 CMV sequences obtained from the Genbank which include the CMV-Ogeira Isolate obtained from this study. The CMV-Ogeira, isolate from this study stood alone in a biphyletic clade.

Natural occurrence of cucumber mosaic virus infecting broccoli in Turkey.

Field surveys conducted during 2015-2016 to determine the natural occurrence and distribution of the viruses in broccoli in Samsun, Turkey revealed that samples tested in enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were infected with CMV but none of the other viruses tested. This is the first report of CMV infection of broccoli in Turkey-Samsun.

Genetic diversity, distant phylogenetic relationships and the occurrence of recombination events among cucumber mosaic virus isolates from zucchini in Poland.

In recent years, the occurrence of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has been noted in zucchini crops in Poland. Beside characteristic isolates, which displayed mosaics and chlorosis on infected plants, new necrotic isolates have also been identified. Here, we analysed the molecular variability of 27 isolates of CMV collected from zucchini in various regions of the country. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on the genes encoding the coat (CP) and movement (MP) proteins revealed that the Polish isolates belong to two subgroups: IA and II, with the prevalence of subgroup II. New recombinant variants with an IA-MP/II-CP pattern for RNA3 were also detected.

Assessment of Field-Grown Cucurbit Crops and Weeds within Farms in South-West Nigeria for Viral Diseases

Cucurbits are economic crops in Nigeria which serve as additional nutritional supplements and also good sources of income for farmers. Viral diseases are a worldwide problem of cucurbits and a major limiting factor for cucurbit production. A survey of farmer’s fields where cucurbit crops were grown was carried out to assess the incidence and severity of virus symptoms and viruses associated with the crops and weeds in selected locations in Ogun and Osun, in southwest Nigeria, in June, 2012. In all, 38 leaf samples were collected in Ogun state and 52 in Osun state from cucurbit crops and weeds. Leaf samples were tested against  Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV), Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV),Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) using Double Antibody Sandwich (DAS) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the fields surveyed had virus symptom incidences of 100% except for melon fields in Osun state with incidences of between 10 and 30%. In Ogun state, the occurrence of CMV was 5/31 (16.1%) while MNSV was detected in Lagenaria siceraria and T. occidentalis and it occurred in 6.5% of the leaf samples. In Osun state, CMV was detected in watermelon, melon and weeds found in all locations surveyed. The occurrence of CMV was 9/38 (23.7%) in the cucurbit crops and in 78.6% (11/14) of the weeds. PRSV and WMV also occurred in mixed infection with CMV in 7.1% respectively. CMV was the most widespread and prevalent virus infecting cucurbit crops and weeds.Cucurbits are economic crops in Nigeria which serve as additional nutritional supplements and also good sources of income for farmers. Viral diseases are a worldwide problem of cucurbits and a major limiting factor for cucurbit production. A survey of farmer’s fields where cucurbit crops were grown was carried out to assess the incidence and severity of virus symptoms and viruses associated with the crops and weeds in selected locations in Ogun and Osun, in southwest Nigeria, in June, 2012. In all, 38 leaf samples were collected in Ogun state and 52 in Osun state from cucurbit crops and weeds. Leaf samples were tested against  Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV), Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) using Double Antibody Sandwich (DAS) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the fields surveyed had virus symptom incidences of 100% except for melon fields in Osun state with incidences of between 10 and 30%. In Ogun state, the occurrence of CMV was 5/31 (16.1%) while MNSV was detected in Lagenaria siceraria and T. occidentalis and it occurred in 6.5% of the leaf samples. In Osun state, CMV was detected in watermelon, melon and weeds found in all locations surveyed. The occurrence of CMV was 9/38 (23.7%) in the cucurbit crops and in 78.6% (11/14) of the weeds. PRSV and WMV also occurred in mixed infection with CMV in 7.1% respectively. CMV was the most widespread and prevalent virus infecting cucurbit crops and weeds.

Assessment of Field-Grown Cucurbit Crops and Weeds within Farms in South-West Nigeria for Viral Diseases


 Cucurbits are economic crops in Nigeria which serve as additional nutritional supplements and also good sources of income for farmers. Viral diseases are a worldwide problem of cucurbits and a major limiting factor for cucurbit production. A survey of farmer’s fields where cucurbit crops were grown was carried out to assess the incidence and severity of virus symptoms and viruses associated with the crops and weeds in selected locations in Ogun and Osun, in southwest Nigeria, in June, 2012. In all, 38 leaf samples were collected in Ogun state and 52 in Osun state from cucurbit crops and weeds. Leaf samples were tested against Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV), Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV),Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) using Double Antibody Sandwich (DAS) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the fields surveyed had virus symptom incidences of 100% except for melon fields in Osun state with incidences of between 10 and 30%. In Ogun state, the occurrence of CMV was 5/31 (16.1%) while MNSV was detected in Lagenaria siceraria and T. occidentalis and it occurred in 6.5% of the leaf samples. In Osun state, CMV was detected in watermelon, melon and weeds found in all locations surveyed. The occurrence of CMV was 9/38 (23.7%) in the cucurbit crops and in 78.6% (11/14) of the weeds. PRSV and WMV also occurred in mixed infection with CMV in 7.1% respectively. CMV was the most widespread and prevalent virus infecting cucurbit crops and weeds.Cucurbits are economic crops in Nigeria which serve as additional nutritional supplements and also good sources of income for farmers. Viral diseases are a worldwide problem of cucurbits and a major limiting factor for cucurbit production. A survey of farmer’s fields where cucurbit crops were grown was carried out to assess the incidence and severity of virus symptoms and viruses associated with the crops and weeds in selected locations in Ogun and Osun, in southwest Nigeria, in June, 2012. In all, 38 leaf samples were collected in Ogun state and 52 in Osun state from cucurbit crops and weeds. Leaf samples were tested against Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV), Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) using Double Antibody Sandwich (DAS) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the fields surveyed had virus symptom incidences of 100% except for melon fields in Osun state with incidences of between 10 and 30%. In Ogun state, the occurrence of CMV was 5/31 (16.1%) while MNSV was detected in Lagenaria siceraria and T. occidentalis and it occurred in 6.5% of the leaf samples. In Osun state, CMV was detected in watermelon, melon and weeds found in all locations surveyed. The occurrence of CMV was 9/38 (23.7%) in the cucurbit crops and in 78.6% (11/14) of the weeds. PRSV and WMV also occurred in mixed infection with CMV in 7.1% respectively. CMV was the most widespread and prevalent virus infecting cucurbit crops and weeds.

First Report of Cucumber mosaic virus Infecting Peperomia tuisana in Serbia.

Peperomia tuisana C.DC. ex Pittier (family Piperaceae) is an attractive succulent grown as an ornamental. Despite its tropical origins, it can be successfully grown indoors in any climate. In March 2012, three samples of P. tuisana showing virus-like symptoms were collected from a commercial greenhouse in Zemun (District of Belgrade, Serbia) in which estimated disease incidence was 80%. Infected plants showed symptoms including necrotic ringspots and line patterns that enlarged and caused necrosis of leaves. A serious leaf drop led to growth reduction and even death of the plant. Leaves from three symptomatic P. tuisana plants were sampled and analyzed by double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA using commercial diagnostic kits (Bioreba AG, Reinach, Switzerland) against the most common viral pathogens of ornamentals: Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), and Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) (1,2). Commercial positive and negative controls were included in each ELISA. Serological analyses showed that all plants were positive for CMV and negative for TSWV and INSV. The ELISA-positive sample (isolate 1-12) was mechanically inoculated onto five plants each of three test species as well as of healthy young P. tuisana using 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH 7). Chlorotic local lesions on Chenopodium quinoa and severe mosaic and leaf malformations were observed on all inoculated Nicotiana tabacum 'Samsun' and N. glutinosa. Also, the virus was successfully mechanically transmitted to P. tuisana that reacted with symptoms identical to those observed on the original host plants. All mechanically inoculated plants were positive for CMV in DAS-ELISA. For further confirmation of CMV infection, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was performed on extracts made from symptomatic P. tuisana, N. tabacum 'Samsun,' and N. glutinosa leaf materials. Total RNAs were extracted with the RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) and RT-PCR was carried out using One-Step RT-PCR Kit (Qiagen). A CMV-specific primer pair, CMVCPfwd and CMVCPrev (3), which amplifies an 871-bp fragment of the entire coat protein (CP) gene and part of 3'- and 5'-UTRs, were used for both amplification and sequencing. Total RNAs obtained from the Serbian CMV isolate (HM065510) and healthy P. tuisana were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. A product of the correct predicted size was obtained in all naturally and mechanically infected plants, as well as positive control. No amplicon was recorded in the healthy control. The amplified product derived from isolate 1-12 was purified (QIAquick PCR Purification Kit, Qiagen), directly sequenced in both directions, deposited in GenBank (KC505441), and analyzed by MEGA5 software (4). Sequence comparison of the complete CP gene (657 nt) revealed that the Serbian isolate 1-12 shared the highest nucleotide identity of 99.1% (99.5% amino acid identity) with the Japanese isolate (AB006813). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of CMV in P. tuisana in Serbia. This is also an important discovery since P. tuisana is commonly grown together with other ornamental hosts of CMV, and thus could represent a serious threat for future expansion of CMV in the greenhouse floriculture industry in Serbia.

Molecular characterization of a Cucumber mosaic virus isolate associated with mosaic disease of banana in India

Severe mosaic accompanied by leaf and fruit deformation symptoms was observed on banana plants growing in three banana farms of Uttar Pradesh, India. The disease incidence was approximately 18–25% at these locations during the three successive years from 2005 to 2007. The occurrence of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was initially detected by bioassay, electron microscopic observations, Western blot immunoassay and RT-PCR. For molecular identification of virus, the RNA 1a, RNA 2b and RNA 3 genomic fragments were amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. The sequence analysis of these genomic fragments revealed its highest identities and close relationships with Indian strains of CMV of subgroup IB; therefore, virus associated with the mosaic disease of banana was identified as an isolate of CMV of subgroup IB. In the limited reports existing from India, which provided preliminary serological or only coat protein-based identification of CMV infecting banana but the comprehensive studies were lacking. In the present communication, we present a detailed biological, serological and molecular characterization of CMV-Banana for the first time from India.

Natural occurrence of Cucumber mosaic virus infecting water mint (Mentha aquatica) in Antalya and Konya, Turkey

Natural occurrence ofCucumber mosaic virusinfecting water mint (Mentha aquatica) in Antalya and Konya, TurkeyAvirus causing a disease in mint (the aromatic and culinary plant) has recently become a problem in the Taurus Mountains, a mountain range in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. To detect the virus and investigate its distribution in the region, mint leaf samples were collected from the vicinity of spring areas in the plateaus of Antalya and Konya in 2009. It was found that Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was detected in 27.08% of symptomatic samples tested by DAS-ELISA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CMV on mint plants in this region of Turkey.

First Report of Turnip mosaic virus Occurrence in Garlic Mustard in Minnesota

The verified presence of TuMV in symptomatic plants fulfils Koch's postulates establishing its role in the etiology of the disease. Infection of garlic mustard by TuMV has been reported previously from Central Europe and Ontario. The only other report of natural viral infection in garlic mustard in the US is the occurrence of Cucumber mosaic virus in this host in Ohio. Accepted for publication 29 July 2012. Published 24 August 2012.

Occurrence of Cucumber mosaic virus Infecting Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) in Turkey

Parsley plants are grown throughout Turkey as summer and winter crops. Diseased plants having typical of a virus infection such as mosaic, mottling, and leaf distortion symptoms were frequently observed in most of the parsley fields and vegetable public markets in the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey in 2010. Using double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was detected on the diseased parsley plants. However, using farmers and commercial seed lots, CMV was not detected in seeds or germinating seedlings.

SURVEY OF SWEET POTATO VIRUSES IN WESTERN KENYA AND DETECTION OF CUCUMBER MOSAIC VIRUS

Sweet potato is an important food crop worldwide, but several pests and diseases limit its production. In eastern Africa, virus-induced diseases rank second to weevils in causing yield reduction. Symptomatic sweet potato cuttings (327) were collected from Nyanza and Western Provinces in western Kenya in 2009. The samples were tested for Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), Sweet potato mild mottle virus (SPMMV), Sweet potato chlorotic fleck virus (SPCFV), Sweet potato latent virus (SPLV), Sweet potato caulimo-like virus (SPCa-LV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), C-6, Sweet potato virus G (SPVG) and Sweet potato mild speckling virus (SPMSV) using nitrocellulose membrane enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NCM-ELISA). SPFMV, SPCSV, SPCFV, SPMMV and CMV were detected and 89% of the samples as a whole were found to be infected. SPFMV was detected in all infected samples followed by SPCSV (55%). Multiple infections were detected in the majority of the samples (80%) and the most common dual infection was with SPFMV and SPCSV (52%). The occurrence of CMV was low (5%) but was confirmed by RT-PCR with amplification of a 670 bp coat protein gene fragment from total RNA. This is the first record of CMV in sweet potato in Kenya.

First report of association of Cucumber mosaic virus with blister and leaf distortion of castor bean (Ricinus communis) in India

The association of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) with blister and leaf distortion symptoms of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) has been detected by Ouchterlony’s double diffusion tests and Western blot immunoassay using antiserum of CMV and confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using the coat protein gene specific primers of CMV which resulted in positive amplification of the expected size ∼650 bp band. The sequence analysis of RT-PCR amplicon from R. communis revealed 96–98% identities and close phylogenetic relationships with several isolates of the IB subgroup of CMV. The virus associated with blister and leaf distortion symptoms of castor bean was therefore identified as an isolate of CMV. The subgroup was also confirmed by RFLP analysis using a defined member of the IB subgroup of CMV. This is the first record of the natural occurrence of CMV on R. communis.

Molecular characterization of Cucumber mosaic virus infecting Gladiolus, revealing its phylogeny distinct from the Indian isolate and alike the Fny strain of CMV

The majority of Gladiolus plants growing in the botanical garden at NBRI, Lucknow, India and adjoining areas exhibited symptoms of mosaic, color breaking, stunting of spikes and reduction in flower size. The occurrence of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was suspected in symptomatic Gladiolus plants. Cucumber mosaic virus, the type species of the genus Cucumovirus of the family Bromoviridae, is an important plant virus worldwide, which infects many plants and causes quantity and quality losses. For virus characterization, total RNA was isolated from leaves of infected plants and used in reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction with a primer set designed in the Cucumber mosaic virus coat protein region. Viral amplicons of the expected 657 bp size were obtained from infected plants. No viral amplicon was obtained from healthy control plants. Viral amplicons were cloned and sequenced (DQ295914). Molecular characterization was performed and phylogenetic relationship determined by the comparison of coat protein gene nucleotide and amino acid sequences with other Cucumber mosaic virus isolates reported from India and worldwide. The nucleotide and amino acid percentage comparison and phylogenetic tree results revealed that Cucumber mosaic virus infecting Gladiolus show resemblance with the Fny strain, which is not common in the Asian continent.

Natural occurrence ofCucumber mosaic virus associated with mottling and mosaic disease onSalvia splendens, a new record from India

Natural occurrence ofCucumber mosaic virus (CMV) subgroup IB associated with mottling and mosaic symptoms onSalvia splendens was identified on the basis of serological and molecular tests for the first time in India.

Survey of the incidence and distribution of five viruses infecting yams in the major yam‐producing zones in Benin

AbstractSurveys were conducted in 2004 and 2005 to determine the incidence and distribution of viruses infecting yams in four major yam‐producing agro‐ecological zones in Benin. Yam leaves collected from 69 fields and one experimental screen house were indexed for Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Dioscorea mottle virus (DMoV), Yam mild mosaic virus (YMMV), Yam mosaic virus (YMV) and yam‐infecting badnaviruses [Dioscorea alata bacilliform virus (DaBV) and Dioscorea sansibarensis bacilliform virus (DsBV)] by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunocapture polymerase chain reaction. Eighty‐two per cent and 66% of leaf samples tested in 2004 and 2005, respectively, were infected with CMV, YMMV, YMV and/or badnaviruses. DMoV was not detected. Yam‐infecting badnaviruses were the most prevalent virus infection, detected in 45% of the total leaves sampled followed by YMV (31%), YMMV (27%) and CMV (2%). Although the occurrence of CMV was low, this is the first record of CMV in yams in Benin. Mixed virus infections were detected in 48% (2004) and 39% (2005) of the infected leaves. A mixture of YMMV and badnaviruses (DaBV or DsBV) was the most common mixed infection detected. Dioscorea alata, with a higher incidence of badnavirus infection (81%), YMMV (51%) and CMV (8%) was more heavily infected than Dioscorea rotundata.

First Report of Cucumber mosaic virus on Lavandula angustifolia in Poland.

Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (synonym Lavandula officinalis Chaix), belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is a plant that is widespread in Mediterranean countries. The species is widely grown as an ornamental crop in Poland. Currently, only Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) is known to infect L. latifolia × L. officinalis in Italy (3). In the spring of 2005, we observed yellow mottling, leaf deformation, and growth reduction of L. angustifolia plants from the Agricultural Academy of Kraków collection of medicinal herbs and spices. Mechanical inoculation of a range of indicator plant species, Chenopodium quinoa, Cucumis sativus, Datura strammonium, Nicotiana glutinosa, N. tabacum cv. Xanthi, Lycopersicon esculentum, and Spinacia oleracea, with sap from symptomatic L. angustifolia plants resulted in symptoms typical of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Chlorotic local lesions and systemic mosaic were observed after a few days on the tested plant species. However, local lesions did not develop on inoculated C. sativus cotyledons. A lack of systemic infection on Chenopodium quinoa excluded infection by AMV. The sap from symptomatic N. tabacum cv. Xanthi leaves contained spherical virus particles of 29 nm in diameter when examined with electron microscopy. Symptomatic N. tabacum cv. Xanthi leaves were positive for CMV in a double-antibody-ELISA using commercial CMV antiserum (Loewe Biochemica GmbH, Sauerlach, Germany). Total RNA was extracted from infected N. tabacum cv. Xanthi plants by the phenolchloroform method. Reverse transcription-PCR was carried out using specific primers CMVF 5'-CCCACAGGTAGAATCAAAT-3' and CMVR 5'-ATGGACAAATCTGAATCAAC-3' (1). The 367-bp amplicon representing a portion of the coat protein gene located in RNA3 was cloned into pGEM-T Easy Vector (Promega, Madison, WI) and two clones were sequenced. The fragment sequence (Accession No. EU303304) was compared with homologous sequences of CMV isolates from the GenBank database. Multiple sequence alignment was performed by using Mega 4 (Center for Evolutionary Functional Genomics, Tempe, AZ) (4) and revealed 99% nucleotide and amino acid identity between the Polish isolate of CMV-PL and the RT67 (subgroup II) isolate from the Netherlands (2) To our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of CMV on Lavandula angustifolia Mill. in Poland or worldwide.