An outbreak of Potato spindle tuber viroid in tomato is linked to imported seed

In 2011, an outbreak of the quarantine-regulated pathogen Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) occurred in a commercial glasshouse-grown tomato crop in Queensland, Australia. Phylogenetic studies showed that the genotype of this isolate grouped in a cluster of PSTVd genotypes from tomato and Physalis peruviana, and exhibited an interesting mutation (U₂₅₇→A) that has previously been linked to lethal symptom expression in tomato. Transmission studies showed that the viroid could be mechanically transmitted from crushed fruit sap, but not from undamaged fruits. A low rate of asymptomatic infection was determined for plants in the affected glasshouse, demonstrating the efficacy of using symptoms to detect PSTVd infections in tomato. No PSTVd infections were detected in solanaceous weeds located outside of the infected glasshouse, excluding them from playing a role in the viroid epidemiology. Monitoring and subsequent testing of new tomato crops grown in the facility demonstrated successful eradication of the pathogen. A trace-back analysis linked the outbreak of PSTVd to an infected imported tomato seed-lot, indicating that PSTVd is transmitted internationally through contaminated seed.     

Epidemiological evidence that vegetatively propagated, solanaceous plant species act as sources of Potato spindle tuber viroid inoculum for tomato

In autumn 2006 in the Netherlands, Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) infections were detected in 42·3 and 71·9% of professionally grown lots of Brugmansia spp. and Solanum jasminoides respectively. The infected lots contained 73 985 and 431 374 plants, respectively, demonstrating the presence of many potential viroid sources for tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ). PSTVd was identified in cultivars of Brugmansia × candida , B. × flava , B. sanguinea , B. suaveolens and unspecified Brugmansia species/cultivars. Most infected lots of Brugmansia spp. originated from a single Dutch nursery; most infected lots of S. jasminoides originated abroad. Sequence analysis revealed that the PSTVd genomes from Brugmansia spp. contained an average of 360 nt, whereas all genomes from S. jasminoides except one consisted of 357 nt. Furthermore, the collective PSTVd genotypes showed polymorphism at four or more positions, except for two cases in which genotypes from Brugmansia spp. and S. jasminoides were identical. Phylogenetic studies showed that PSTVd genotypes from Brugmansia spp. and S. jasminoides grouped apart from each other and from PSTVd isolates from potato ( Solanum tuberosum ) and Physalis peruviana . The PSTVd genotypes from tomato did not form a separate cluster, but were dispersed over clusters of vegetatively or partly vegetatively propagated plant species, i.e. potato, P. peruviana and S. jasminoides . Moreover, mechanical inoculation of the predominant PSTVd genotypes from S. jasminoides to tomato was successful. These results provide evidence that vegetatively propagated, solanaceous plant species have been sources of infection for tomato crops in the past.     

Mechanism underlying potato spindle tuber viroid affecting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum): loss of control over reactive oxygen species production

Journal of General Plant Pathology - Severe infection of the tomato cultivar ‘Rutgers’ with potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) variants resulted in systemic stunting, leaf...     

Comparison of direct-RT-PCR and dot-blot hybridization for the detection of Potato spindle tuber viroid in natural host plant species

Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) is an EPPO A2-listed quarantine pathogen and its detection in large scale surveys requires complex decision schemes. In this study, a simple and rapid application of direct-RT-PCR was evaluated together with dot blot hybridization for the detection of PSTVd in dormant potato tubers harvested from primary infected plants, as well as in tomato and solanaceous ornamental plants. In all infected dormant potato tubers tested, both direct-RT-PCR and dot blot hybridization detected two different PSTVd isolates, with direct-RT-PCR being ten times more sensitive than dot blot. Similarly, in infected tomato and Brugmansia spp., PSTVd was detected by direct-RT-PCR with higher sensitivity compared to that of dot blot hybridization. However, in Brugmansia spp., a ten-fold decrease of the typical working concentration of the sap was required for an unequivocal detection of the viroid by direct-RT-PCR. The potential to use direct-RT-PCR for routine PSTVd examination is discussed.     

Distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid</Emphasis> in floral organs of tomato

In situ hybridization was used to analyze the distribution pattern of Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid (TCDVd) in floral organs of tomato plants. Following TCDVd invasion of floral organs, it became localized only in sepals at an early developmental stage, then reached other floral organs at the flower opening stage, with the exception of part of the placenta and ovules. When distribution of TCDVd was compared with that of Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), TCDVd was not detected in the outer integument around the embryo sac even though PSTVd was able to invade there, suggesting that such specific distribution might reflect the frequent occurrence of viroid disease on crops caused by PSTVd-seed transmission.     

Potato germplasm poses the highest risk of introducing potato spindle tuber viroid in potatoes in the Netherlands: analysis and evaluation of an outbreak in potato breeding

In 2014, potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) was identified in a potato clone originating from a breeding company in the Netherlands. This clone was submitted for micro propagation and therefore tested for PSTVd and a number of other pathogens. This finding of PSTVd initiated actions to track and eradicate the infections. In addition to the finding at the breeding company, PSTVd was also found at a research institute. At both locations the viroid was eradicated following extended testing and discarding of infected plants. Additional surveys including testing of each individual plant in all crossing glasshouses and random samples of pre-basic and basic seed potatoes, revealed no further infections in the Netherlands. This result concurred with the fact that mechanical spread of PSTVd in the field is not likely under climatic conditions in the Netherlands. Therefore, vegetative propagation seems the most important pathway for maintaining and spreading of PSTVd. Based on the evaluation of this outbreak, it was concluded that potato germplasm poses the highest risk of introducing this viroid in potatoes in the Netherlands.     

Transmission of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid</Emphasis> by bumblebees (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bombus ignitus</Emphasis>) in tomato plants

Quantitative PCR revealed that Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid (TCDVd) was present in substantial amounts in viroid-infected tomato flowers. Healthy tomato plants were arranged in two different glasshouses, and plants were mechanically inoculated with TCDVd. Bumblebees (Bombus ignitus) were then introduced into the glasshouses to reveal whether the viroid was transmitted from infected source plants to neighbouring healthy plants. TCDVd infection was found in neighbouring tomato plants more than 1 month after the introduction of the bees, some of which expressed symptoms, in both glasshouses. Thus, bumblebees transmitted TCDVd from tomato to tomato by pollination activities.     

Occurrence and molecular variability of Potato spindle tuber viroid and Tomato apical stunt viroid in ornamental plants in Croatia

Viroids of the genus Pospiviroid are able to induce diseases in a wide range of host plants including important crop species. Although occasional disease outbreaks of Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) and closely related pospiviroids have been reported in potato and tomato, recent studies found an increase in number of latent infections in ornamental solanaceous species. In order to verify the presence of PSTVd and other pospiviroids in Croatia, a survey was conducted between 2009 and 2012. A total of 182 samples belonging to five ornamental species and two solanaceous crops were analyzed. Eight plants belonging to two different species (Solanum jasminodes and Lycianthes rantonnetii) were found infected by PSTVd and, in addition, one S. jasminoides plant infected by Tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd). Viroid infection was confirmed by mechanical inoculation on tomato plants to observe symptom expression. Molecular characterization of the isolates was done and complete viroid sequences were submitted to the GenBank. This is the first evidence of the presence of PSTVd and TASVd and their variability in Croatia.     

A potyvirus isolated from solanaceous hosts

A potyvirus was isolated from Datura stramonium, Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) and Solanum nigrum in the Yemen. It was transmitted mechanically and by Myzus persicae in a non-persistent manner. Its flexuous rod-shaped particles had a mean length of 719 nm and some of its pinwheel inclusion bodies in infected Nicotiana clevelandii leaves were unusual in that they were dichotomously branched. The virus infected various solanaceous species, but the symptoms it induced were distinct from those of pepper veinal mottle (PVMV) and potato Y viruses. Its particles were purified from N. glutinosa and their coat protein had an atypically high molecular mass a potyvirus of 41·5 kDa. They showed a distant serological relationship to those of PVMV and potato virus V in ISEM decoration tests, but did not react with antisera to particles of any other potyvirus tested. The virus has been tentatively named tomato mild mottle virus.     

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.     

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.     

A new disease of greenhouse tomatoes in Israel caused by a distinct strain ofTomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd)

Using the sequential PAGE method for detection of small circular RNA molecules we isolated a viroid from greenhouse-grown tomato plants exhibiting severe stunting in Israel. The viroid was transmitted to tomato and to several other solanaceous plants by graft and mechanical inoculation, but only tomato plants showed symptoms of disease. Cloning and sequencing revealed that the viroid RNA is composed of 363 nucleotides, has 92% identity with the type strain (Ivory Coast strain) ofTomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd) and 99% identity with the Indonesian strain of this viroid. The experimental host range of TASVd-Is differs significantly from that of the type strain of TASVd. The possible epidemiological consequences leading to TASVd spread in geographically distant areas are discussed. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Sept. 18, 2002. Corresponding author     

Localization of potato leafroll virus in leaves of secondarily-infected potato plants

Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) antigen was localized by immunogold labelling in semi-thin leaf sections of secondarily-infected potato plants cv. Bintje. Viral antigen was present in all cell types of the phloem tissue. but occurred most abundantly in the companion cells. Detectable amounts of PLRV antigen were found only in the sieve elements in veins with a large number of infected companion cells. Occasionally, parenchyma cells were also found to be infected. PLRV was not exclusively limited to the phloem tissue in the infected potato plants, but was also found in mesophyll cells neighbouring minor phloem vessles. Spread of virus from cell to cell in the mesophyll was not observed. The distribution of PLRV in the potato leaf tissue has implication on its availability, for acquisition by aphids.     

Molecular characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Potato spindle tuber viroid</Emphasis> in dahlia

A new variant of Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) was detected for the first time from dahlia grown in Japan. The dahlia isolate of PSTVd formed a quasi-species and a major sequence variant consisting of 361 nucleotides in length, including five substitutions, three insertions, and one deletion, when compared to the intermediate strain from potato. In bioassays with the new isolate, Rutgers tomato developed mild stunting and leaf curling.     

The distribution of potato spindle tuber viroid in potato plants and tubers1

Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTV) in potato plants was investigated by ‘return’ gel electrophoresis. The experiments were carried out under quarantine conditions in the greenhouse with primarily and secondarily infected plants. The PSTV content in different plant parts was estimated by the intensity of the viroid band in polyacrylamide gel. The results showed a decrease of viroid content from the upper to the lower parts of the plant. In both primarily and secondarily infected plants, PSTV was reliably detected in the top leaves, but less so in the lower leaves. In four out of ten secondarily infected plants, PSTV was found in the roots. In dormant tubers, the bands were more intense with samples obtained from the rose end and the heel than from those obtained from the medullary tissue. With one exception, all 64 tubers from 26 primarily infected plants were infected with PSTV.     

应用Dot-ELISA检测马铃薯卷叶病毒

 以硝酸纤维素膜(NCM)为固相载体,应用间接ELISA法对纯化的马铃薯卷叶病毒(PLRV)、感染PLRV的马铃薯植株的茎、叶、休眠块茎顶端、脐部、块茎打破休眠后萌发的芽,以及饲毒后的桃蚜体内的PLRV分别进行了测定。结果表明检测纯病毒的灵敏度为45.83pg~4.583pg,测定茎、叶、休眠块茎顶端、脐部、芽的稀释度分别可达到1/2048、1/512、1/2048~1/8192、1/512~1/2048和1/2048~1/8192,和常规DAS-ELISA相比,检测的灵敏度提高至少8倍。应用Dot-ELISA至少可检测1/2头带毒蚜虫体内的PLRV。     

Tospoviruses infecting vegetable crops in Israel

Symptoms of vein clearing, stem necrosis, curling, necrotic spots and rings on the leaves associated with infection by tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV) were documented among vegetable crops growing in commercial glasshouses and open fields in Israel. Plants exhibiting symptoms were collected, from 1994-01 to 1998-12. Among cultivated vegetable crops analysed for TSWV by ELISA, the following plants were found to be infected: tomato, capsicum, aubergine, lettuce, cabbage and cucumber. These incidences of the virus were all correlated with the occurrence in high population of Frankliniella occidentalis. Transmission of the virus from infected Datura stramonium to Petunia leaf discs, by F. occidentalis , was up to 26%. TSWV antigens were readily detected by ELISA in seeds harvested from naturally infected vegetable crops. However, we failed to show virus transmission to the progeny plants. Iris yellow spot tospovirus (IYSV) was detected in onion. High incidence of the disease was associated with large populations of Thrips tabaci.     

转二价核酶基因马铃薯及抗病性研究

 用克隆的特异性切割马铃薯卷叶病毒(Potato leaf roll virus,PLRV)复制酶基因负链RNA的二价核酶基因,构建植物表达载体pROKⅡ/DR,经土壤农杆菌(Agrobacterium tumefaciens)介导叶盘法转化马铃薯外植体,获得再生植株。PCR和Southern-blot检测,证明目的基因已成功地导入马铃薯再生植株,其转化率约为14.5%,并能够在无性繁殖后代植株中稳定存在。RT-PCR检测表明,再生马铃薯植株中的二价核酶基因可以转录表达。经病毒接种的转基因马铃薯株系L5、L7、L8和J-1的无性繁殖后代在继发感染中仍表现出较高的抗病性,为最终获得抗PLRV马铃薯新品系打下了基础。