Geographic distribution and molecular variation of beet pseudo yellows crinivirus isolates in Costa Rican cucurbits

• Published in: Phytopathology Vol. 96; no. 6; p. S96
• Main Authors: Ramirez, P, Hernandez, E, Mora, F, Abraitis, R, Hammond, R W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2006
• Subjects: Beet pseudo yellows virus; Crinivirus; Cucurbita
• ISSN: 0031-949X

Members of the greenhouse whitefly-transmitted genus Crinivirus within the family Closteroviridae are emerging threats to both vegetable and fruit production worldwide. We previously reported the detection of beet pseudo yellows crinivirus (BPYV) in field-grown cucurbits in. The presence of the virus was associated with severe yellowing and chlorosis, and a large population of whiteflies was observed on symptomatic plants. To determine the prevalence and molecular variability of BPYV in, leaf samples were collected in 2004 and 2005 from several cucurbit cultivars growing in geographically distinct, cucurbit-growing regions. Total RNA was extracted from the samples, and RT-PCR reactions using primers specific for genes encoding the minor coat protein (CPm) and heat shock protein (HSP) of BPYV were performed. Our results indicate that (1) BPYV in cucurbits is currently limited to an isolated region of the country, and (2) genetic variation among the isolates examined was very low.