Movement of aphid-transmitted Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) within and between sugarcane plants

Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) is distributed worldwide and has been shown to be the cause of the disease sugarcane yellow leaf syndrome (YLS). This study was an investigation of the transmission and spread of ScYLV in Hawaii. Several aphids are known to transmit the virus, but investigation of infestation and transmission efficiency showed Melanaphis sacchari to be the only vector important for field spread of the disease. The initial multiplication of ScYLV in a virus-free plant occurred exclusively in very young sink tissues. When a single leaf was inoculated on a plant, that leaf and all older leaves remained virus-free, based on tissue-blot immunoassay, whereas meristems and all subsequently formed new leaves became infected. Therefore, only after those leaves which had already developed before inoculation had been shed, did the complete plant contain ScYLV. Spread of the viral infection to neighbouring plants in the plantation fields via aphids was relatively slow and in the range of a few metres per year. No indication of long-distance transfer could be seen. This indicates that it may be possible to produce and use virus-free seed cane for planting of high-yielding but YLS-susceptible cultivars.     

广东甘蔗黄叶病田间调查及病原病毒的分子检测

 广东省粤北和粤西蔗区多个县市的田间甘蔗上观察到甘蔗黄叶病(Sugarcane yellow leaf disease,SYLD)典型症状,目前该病仅局部分布,但部分田块病株率为5%~80%,发病品种有青皮果蔗、黑皮果蔗、新台糖系列品种、粤糖79/177和粤糖93/159等。采集发病田间显症叶片、无症叶片和在病叶上取食的甘蔗绵蚜(Ceratovacuna lanigera)样品,抽提总RNA,以基于甘蔗黄叶病毒(Sugarcane yellow leaf virus,SCYLV) CP基因序列的特异引物进行一步RT-PCR和巢式PCR扩增,并对扩增产物进行核苷酸序列测定和BLAST比对。结果显示,RT-PCR及巢式PCR产物核苷酸序列与分离自巴西的SCYLV B1株系相应区段同一率为100%;一步RT-PCR可从约70%的显症叶片样品中检测到SCYLV,而病田中的无症叶片样品以及在病叶上取食的单头甘蔗绵蚜样品需经巢式PCR扩增方可检测到SCYLV,阳性率分别为1%~5%和83%。本研究表明,广东省栽培甘蔗已受到SCYLV侵染,甘蔗绵蚜携带SCYLV。     

The Use of Molecular Beacons Combined with NASBA for the Sensitive Detection of Sugarcane Yellow Leaf Virus

Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) is widely distributed in Brazil and other sugarcane producing countries causing significant yield losses. Due to the high incidence of the aphid vector, the virus is widespread in the field and in parental clones used in sugarcane breeding programmes. Aiming to present a sensitive and reliable detection of ScYLV, we have adapted an AmpliDet RNA system, compared it with the currently available detection methods and discussed its applicability for routine diagnosis. AmpliDet RNA consists of nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) of the target RNA with specific primers and simultaneous real-time detection of the amplification products with molecular beacons. The results showed that the system produced a detection level of at least 100fg of purified virus. Virus was readily detected in plant tissues with low levels of infection (without the need of previous RNA extraction) and in the hemolymph of aphids. The method showed to be virus-specific, testing negative for other species of the Luteoviridae. In conclusion, the system has potential to become a diagnostic method for the detection of sugarcane viruses.     

Variation in virus populations and growth characteristics of two sugarcane cultivars naturally infected by Sugarcane yellow leaf virus in different geographical locations

Two sugarcane cultivars (R570 and SP71-6163) naturally infected by Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) were each imported from several geographical locations into a sugarcane yellow leaf-free environment (Montpellier, France). Plants were grown as plant cane for 5–6 months and the experiment was repeated for three consecutive years (2003–2005) in a greenhouse. Several sugarcane-growth and disease characteristics were monitored to identify variation in pathogenicity of SCYLV. Depending on their geographical origin, sugarcane cvs R570 and SP71-6163 were infected by SCYLV genotypes BRA-PER or REU, or a mixture of the two. Severity of symptoms did not vary between plants of cv. R570, but variation in disease severity between plants of cv. SP71-6163 from different geographical locations suggested the occurrence of pathogenic variants of SCYLV. For each sugarcane cultivar, differences in stalk length, number of stalk internodes, virus titre in the top visible dewlap leaf, and percentage of infection of leaf and stalk phloem vessels were also found between plants from different geographical origins. However, these differences were not always reproducible from one year to another, suggesting occurrence of different plant responses to SCYLV isolates under varying environmental conditions.     

Symptom expression of yellow leaf disease in sugarcane cultivars with different degrees of infection by Sugarcane yellow leaf virus

Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) is present in many sugarcane growing areas of the world. It is suspected to cause yellow leaf disease (formerly called YLS, yellow leaf syndrome) of sugarcane. This study investigated symptom expression in a selection of cultivars classified into three groups; ScYLV-susceptible/infected, ScYLV-resistant and intermediately infected cultivars grown in plantation fields in the islands of Hawaii. Incidence of yellow leaf symptoms was correlated, though not tightly, to the presence of ScYLV. The correlation is based on two factors: (i) only ScYLV-infected cultivars (from both susceptible and intermediate groups) showed severe symptom expression, and (ii) ScYLV-infected plants had four times higher symptom incidence than virus-free plants of the same cultivar. The yellow leaf symptom expression fluctuated, peaking at 200, 350, 500 and 600 days after planting. These symptom peaks were correlated with an increase of ScYLV content in the intermediately infected group of cultivars. No nutritional, environmental or field factor could be identified which clearly influenced symptom expression. It is speculated that the symptom expression is elicited by assimilate backup in the stalks and that the fluctuation of symptom expression is caused by the growth rhythm of mature sugarcane stalks.     

Impact of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sugarcane yellow leaf virus</Emphasis> on growth and sugar yield of sugarcane

A survey revealed that Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) is found on all Hawaiian sugarcane plantations including those where no yellow leaf symptoms were observed. In a comparison of growth and yield between SCYLV-infected and SCYLV-free plants of the cultivar H87-4094, germination and early shoot growth of infected plants were retarded. The number of stalks per stool was reduced by 30%, biomass was reduced by 29%, and sugar yield by 26% when plants were harvested after 11 months. Yields did not decrease when plants were harvested after 2 years. Thus, SCYLV could reduce yield, even when the plants were asymptomatic. In a field test of SCYLV-susceptible (infected) and -resistant cultivars to compare growth and yield, 10 commercial cultivars (six susceptible and four resistant to SCYLV) were grown in eight fields with different climates and soils. Primary stalk length, biomass and sugar yield did not differ between susceptible and resistant cultivars under any field conditions. Thus, harmful effects of SCYLV on yield cannot be deduced by comparing different cultivars.     

Elimination of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus from infected sugarcane plants by meristem tip culture visualized by tissue blot immunoassay

Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV), a member of the Luteoviridae , is implicated in the sugarcane disease known as yellow leaf syndrome (YLS), which is characterized by yellowing of the leaf midrib followed by leaf necrosis and possible growth suppression. YLS is distributed worldwide and susceptible cultivars are commonly infected with SCYLV. However, not all cultivars infected with SCYLV show symptoms of YLS and some cultivars that show symptoms do so sporadically. Since it is difficult to obtain virus-free plants of susceptible cultivars, it has not been possible to study the factors involved in SCYLV infection nor the effects of infection on plant growth and yield. A tissue blot immunoassay was used to visualize in vivo presence of the virus so that virus-infected and virus-free plants could be distinguished. Meristem tip cultures were used to produce virus-free plantings of six SCYLV-susceptible sugarcane cultivars. Nearly all of the regenerated sugarcane lines remained virus-free over a period of up to 4 years, whether grown in isolated fields or in the glasshouse. Experimental re-infection of the virus-free plants by viruliferous aphids demonstrated that meristem tip culture did not affect susceptibility of sugarcane to SCYLV. Improved diagnosis and production of virus-free plants of SCYLV-susceptible cultivars will facilitate research to quantify the effect of the virus on yield and to analyse the processes involved in disease development.     

Impact of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus on Sugarcane Yield and Juice Quality in Réunion Island

Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) was first detected in sugarcane of Réunion Island in 1997. A field experiment was undertaken to assess the potential impact of this virus on sugarcane production. The agronomic characteristics of SCYLV-infected plants were compared to those of virus-free plants of three sugarcane cultivars (R570, R577 and R579) which occupy more than 90% of the cultivated sugarcane area on Réunion Island. In the plant crop, significant losses in stalk weight (28%) and in sugar content (11%) were detected for cultivar R577, but not for either of the two other cultivars. In the first ratoon crop, yield reduction was detected for cultivar R577 (37%), but also for cultivar R579 (19%). Cultivar R577 also showed significant losses in sugar content (12%) due to reduced amount and quality of extracted cane juice. No yield reduction was found for cultivar R570, although stalk height and diameter were reduced in SCYLV-infected canes of this cultivar in the first ratoon crop. Leaf yellowing was observed at harvest of plant and ratoon crops when sugarcane was no longer irrigated, and 10–59% of symptomatic stalks could be attributed to the presence of SCYLV. The most severe yellowing symptoms were related to infection of sugarcane by the virus.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sugarcane yellow leaf virus</Emphasis> introduction and spread in Hawaiian sugarcane industry: Retrospective epidemiological study of an unnoticed,mostly asymptomatic plant disease

Yellow leaf (YL) caused by Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) was first reported as a sugarcane disease in the 1990s, when it had already spread over many parts of the world. The time of introduction into the plantations is unknown. A worldwide screening identified only a few places isolated from cultivar exchange for more than 20 years which appeared SCYLV-free. Control tests with infected cultivars propagated for 12–16 generations by cuttings remained SCYLV-infected, proving that SCYLV is not eliminated by vegetative propagation. De novo infection by SCYLV-vectors in Hawaii occurred only over short distances. To reveal the period when SCYLV was introduced to Hawaii, volunteer sugarcane plants from closed Hawaiian plantations and from previous sites of the Hawaiian Sugarcane Planters′ Association breeding station were tested. The results suggest that SCYLV appeared in the breeding station between 1960 and 1970, whereas the plantations became infested after 1980. Imports in the 1960s obviously introduced the virus to the Hawaiian breeding station from where it spread to susceptible cultivars. Eighty percent of the cultivars, developed between 1973 and 1995, acquired the virus at the breeding station, in some cases within 4 years, indicating the rapid spread of SCYLV in the breeding station. The strain of SCYLV found in a Réunion cultivar in Hawaii, and the differing SCYLV-infection of CP-cultivars which were exported more than 20 years ago, suggested that also Réunion and Florida may still have been SCYLV-free in the 1970s. The study showed that retrospective epidemiology can be conducted on a disease which was unnoticed for more than 20 years.     

人工饲料条件下大麦黄矮病毒GAV株系对麦长管蚜种群适合度的直接影响

植物病毒与介体蚜虫存在复杂的互作关系。前人关于植物病毒对蚜虫调控作用的研究主要集中在植物病毒通过寄主植物对蚜虫的间接影响上,未见植物病毒对介体蚜虫适合度直接调控的报道。鉴于此,我们以麦长管蚜Sitobion miscanthi (Takahashi)为试虫,以其传播的大麦黄矮病毒-GAV(Barley yellow dwarf virus GAV,BYDV-GAV)为测试病毒,以全纯人工饲料加入BYDV-GAV病毒提取液饲养麦长管蚜4 d,使之在不接触寄主植物条件下获毒,然后分别在全纯人工饲料和无毒小麦叶片上继续饲养,直至死亡。利用生命表技术分析麦长管蚜生长发育和繁殖参数。研究结果表明:在无毒小麦叶片饲养条件下,与未获毒对照麦长管蚜相比,获毒后麦长管蚜生活史参数成虫历期和产仔天数显著降低,繁殖力显著增加;种群参数内禀增长率、净繁殖率、周限增长率显著增加,平均世代周期显著降低。在全纯人工饲料条件下,与未获毒对照相比,获毒后麦长管蚜仅成虫历期和产仔天数显著下降,而其他生活史参数及种群参数均无显著差异。说明BYDV-GAV使得介体麦长管蚜在小麦叶片上的适合度显著提高,这是由麦长管蚜与寄主植物互作引起的,而病毒对介体麦长管蚜的适合度无直接调控作用。     

Detection, identification and significance of phytoplasmas in grasses in northern Australia

Sugarcane yields have been severely reduced by white leaf and grassy shoot phytoplasma diseases in many parts of Asia. Australian sugarcane crops are not known to be affected by these diseases, but plant pathogenic phytoplasmas found in other introduced and native grasses in northern Australia could pose a serious threat to the Australian sugarcane industry. To further evaluate this threat, leaves from plants of 20 grass species, with and without symptoms, were collected during field surveys in northern Australia and tested to determine whether phytoplasmas were present and whether symptoms were reliable indicators of phytoplasma presence. Molecular tools were used to detect and characterize phytoplasmas. Four different phytoplasmas were found in seven grass species known to grow near healthy sugarcane crops. All the phytoplasmas were closely related to sugarcane white leaf phytoplasma (SCWL), one of the phytoplasmas that causes disease in sugarcane in Asia. Four of the host plant species and two of the phytoplasmas were new records. The relationship between symptoms and phytoplasma presence was poor. Because some plants with symptoms tested negative for phytoplasmas, a series of surveys was carried out in which flowers, leaves, roots and stems of two known host plant species, Whiteochloa cymbiformis and Sorghum stipoideum, were tested separately on nine occasions during two wet seasons. This was done to investigate the distribution of phytoplasmas within plants over time. Results showed that spatial and temporal variation of phytoplasmas occurred in these two host plant species. Hence, evaluation of disease distribution within a region requires repeated testing of all plant parts from plants without symptoms, as well as those with symptoms. To date, there is no report of a vector capable of transmitting to Australian sugarcane the phytoplasmas found in grasses in this study. If one is present, or occurs in the future, then native and introduced grasses could constitute a large reservoir of phytoplasma for vectors to draw on. This work provides an early warning for the sugarcane industry that the potential for infection exists.     

BYDV PREDICTOR: a simulation model to predict aphid arrival, epidemics of Barley yellow dwarf virus and yield losses in wheat crops in a Mediterranean-type environment

BYDV PREDICTOR, a simulation model, was developed to forecast aphid outbreaks and Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) epidemics in wheat crops in the grainbelt region of southwest Australia, which has a Mediterranean-type climate. The model used daily rainfall and mean temperature to predict aphid ( Rhopalosiphum padi ) buildup in each locality before the commencement of the cereal-growing season in late autumn, and to forecast the timing of aphid immigration into crops. The introduction of BYDV by aphid immigrants, aphid buildup within the crop, spread of BYDV, and yield losses were predicted for different sowing dates. The model simulations were validated with 10 years' field data from five different sites in the grainbelt, representing a wide range of scenarios. When first aphid arrival dates ranging from 1 June to 2 September were compared with predictions, 65% of the variation between sites and years was explained. Progress curves for the predicted percentage of plants infected with the serotype BYDV-PAV closely resembled the starting point and shape of those recorded in 14 out of 18 scenarios. Sensitivity analysis confirmed that the combination of a high proportion of immigrants vectoring BYDV, early sowing of crops and early start to aphid arrival relative to sowing date led to the most BYDV spread and greatest yield loss. The model was incorporated into a decision support system used by farmers in targeting sprays against aphids to prevent virus spread in autumn and winter. BYDV PREDICTOR could serve as a template for modelling similar virus/aphid vector pathosystems in other regions of the world, especially those with Mediterranean-type climates.     

Virus transmission by aphids in potato crops

This paper reviews the contribution of vector activity and plant age to virus spread in potato crops. Determining which aphid species are vectors is particularly important for timing haulm destruction to minimize tuber infection by potato virus Y (PVY). Alate aphids of more than 30 species transmit PVY, and aphids such asRhopalosiphum padi, that migrate in large numbers before flights of the more efficient vector,Myzus persicae, appear to be important vectors. Differences in methodology, aphid biotypes and virus strains prevent direct comparisons between estimates of vector efficiencies obtained for aphids in different countries in north western Europe. M. persicae is also the most efficient vector of potato leafroll virus (PLRV), but some clones ofMacrosiphum euphorbiae transmit PLRV efficiently toNicotiana clevelandii and potato test plants. The removal of infected plants early in the season prevents the spread of PLRV in cool regions with limited vector activity. The proportion of aphids acquiring PLRV from infected potato plants decreases with plant age, and healthy potato plants are more resistant to infection later in the season. Severe symptoms of secondary leafroll developed on progeny plants of cv. Maris Piper derived from mother plants inoculated with PLRV in June or July of the previous year. Progeny plants derived from mother plants inoculated in August showed only mild symptoms, but the concentration of PLRV in these plants was as high as that in the plants with severe symptoms.     

The effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gibberella zeae</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus</Emphasis>, and co-infection on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhopalosiphum padi</Emphasis> olfactory preference and performance

Insect-borne viruses promote several changes in plant phenotype, which can modify plant-vector interactions in favor of virus survival and dissemination. Although co-infections commonly occur in the field, little is known about their effects on interactions with the vector. The ecological interactions between Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) and its aphid vector, Rhopalosiphum padi, have been investigated extensively, but the vector’s behavior in more complex scenarios has yet to be examined. We assessed olfactory response and performance of R. padi to wheat singly and doubly infected by the pathogenic fungus Giberella zeae and BYDV. Non-viruliferous aphids preferred odors of BYDV-infected wheat over healthy wheat, as previously reported in the literature, and they were still preferentially attracted to BYDV-infected plant during co-infection. However, around 35% more non-viruliferous aphids chose healthy wheat over G. zeae-infected wheat. Viruliferous aphids did not show any preference to the treatments. BYDV-infected wheat was a superior host than healthy wheat for the aphids whose population increased in 25%. We observed a synergistic effect of the co-infected wheat, which was the best host for aphids, and promoted an elevation of 42% on population growth. Our results indicate that co-infection might be beneficial for virus spread as does not interfere with aphid olfactory preference and provides greater colony growth than in singly infected plants.     

Virus transmission by aphids in potato crops

This paper reviews the contribution of vector activity and plant age to virus spread in potato crops. Determining which aphid species are vectors is particularly important for timing haulm destruction to minimize tuber infection by potato virus Y (PVY). Alate aphids of more than 30 species transmit PVY, and aphids such asRhopalosiphum padi, that migrate in large numbers before flights of the more efficient vector,Myzus persicae, appear to be important vectors. Differences in methodology, aphid biotypes and virus strains prevent direct comparisons between estimates of vector efficiencies obtained for aphids in different countries in north western Europe.M. persicae is also the most efficient vector of potato leafroll virus (PLRV), but some clones ofMacrosiphum euphorbiae transmit PLRV efficiently toNicotiana clevelandii and potato test plants. The removal of infected plants early in the season prevents the spread of PLRV in cool regions with limited vector activity. The proportion of aphids acquiring PLRV from infected potato plants decreases with plant age, and healthy potato plants are more resistant to infection later in the season. Severe symptoms of secondary leafroll developed on progeny plants of cv. Maris Piper derived from mother plants inoculated with PLRV in June or July of the previous year. Progeny plants derived from mother plants inoculated in August showed only mild symptoms, but the concentration of PLRV in these plants was as high as that in the plants with severe symptoms.     

Reducing the spread of aphid-transmitted viruses in peppers by coarse-net cover

Spread of the aphid-transmitted cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and potato virus Y (PVY) in pepper plots was markedly reduced by growing the plants under a white coarse-net cover permitting normal development of the plants. This net also reduced the winged aphid population on the plants by more than 40 times. Light grey and yellow nets also reduced virus spread and aphid populations, but were much less effective than white ones. The nets do not act as a mechanical barrier to aphids. It is suggested that under white and grey netting, aphid repellency and microclimatic conditions are the primary causes of virus check, while the controlling effect of the yellow nets may be explained by their being more attractive to aphids than the plants. A reduction of “background effect” and a limiting of the aphids’ vision range by nets are probably other factors involved in the protective mechanism.     

甘蔗病毒病及其防治研究进展

甘蔗是最重要的糖料作物,由于其栽培过程中采用种茎无性繁殖,病毒病发生逐年加重.已知侵染甘蔗的病毒种类有甘蔗花叶病毒(Sugarcane mosaic virus,SCMV)、高粱花叶病毒(Sorghummosaic virus,SrMV)、甘蔗线条花叶病毒(Sugarcane streakmosaic virus,SCSMV)、甘蔗黄叶病毒(Sugarcane yellow leaf virus,SCYLV)、甘蔗斐济病病毒(Sugarcane Fiji disease virus,SFDV)、甘蔗线.条病毒(Sugarcane streak virus,SSV)和甘蔗杆状病毒(Sugarcane bacilliform virus,SCBV).文中简要介绍上述几种病毒的基本特性及其所致病害的发生特点,对目前甘蔗病毒病防治技术进行了评述,提出了我国甘蔗病毒研究中需要关注的若干问题.     

Transmission of a sugarcane yellow leaf phytoplasma by the delphacid planthopper Saccharosydne saccharivora, a new vector of sugarcane yellow leaf syndrome

During surveys of sugarcane fields in western and central Cuba from December 2001 to March 2003, the delphacid planthopper Saccharosydne saccharivora was the most prevalent of the Auchenorrhyncha fauna surveyed. Individuals of S. saccharivora collected tested positive for the sugarcane yellow leaf phytoplasma (SCYLP). Saccharosydne saccharivora were reared in cages and used for experimental transmission studies of SCYLP. The S. saccharivora were given acquisition-access feeds of 72 h on SCYLP-infected canes collected from the field followed by an inoculation-access period of 15 days on healthy sugarcane seedlings. Symptoms of yellow leaf syndrome developed on 24 out of 36 plants, 7–12 months postinoculation. None of the 36 healthy seedlings that were inoculated with S. saccharivora fed on phytoplasma-free sugarcane developed symptoms. All phytoplasma-positive sugarcane and S. saccharivora samples showed identical RFLP patterns and had 99·89% similarity in their 16S/23S spacer-region sequences, but only 92·6–93·6% similarity with other phytoplasmas. Sequences were deposited with GenBank [accession numbers: AY725237 ( S. saccharivora ) and AY257548 (sugarcane)]. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the phytoplasmas from sugarcane and S. saccharivora are putative members of a new 16Sr phytoplasma group. This is the first report of vector transmission of a phytoplasma associated with sugarcane yellow leaf syndrome and the first time that S. saccharivora has been shown to vector a phytoplasma.     

Susceptibility of sugarcane, plantation weeds and grain cereals to infection by Sugarcane yellow leaf virus and selection by sugarcane breeding in Hawaii

Hawaiian commercial sugarcane cultivars (Saccharum spp.), noble canes (S. officinarum), robust canes (S. robustum) and wild relatives of sugarcane (S. spontaneum and Erianthus arundinaceus) were tested by tissue blot immunoassay to determine whether they were infected by Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV). Two-thirds of the commercial hybrids and noble canes were infected and therefore classified as SCYLV-susceptible, in contrast to the wild cane relatives where less than one third of the varieties were infected. The pedigree list of commercial, registered cultivars showed that 80% of cultivars were SCYLV-susceptible and that also 75–90% of the progeny of resistant (female) parents were susceptible (male parents are mostly unknown because of polycross breeding). In contrast, a cross between a resistant S. robustum and a susceptible S. officinarum cultivar yielded 85% resistant progeny clones, which indicated that SCYLV-resistance is a dominant trait. It is concluded that the breeding program selected against SCYLV-resistance with the result that 80% of the newly bred cultivars were susceptible. Exceptional was the period between 1950 and 1970, in which 50% of the newly-bred clones were resistant. This is the period in which SCYLV had entered Hawaii. Weed grasses and cereal grasses which grew in or next to sugarcane fields were not infected by SCYLV. Thus SCYLV does not spread from infected sugarcane plants to adjacent grasses or cereals under field conditions, although cereal grasses can be infected experimentally.