Viral inclusions in monocotyledons infected by maize streak and related geminiviruses

Isolates of maize streak virus (MSV) were examined by thin-section electron microscopy in plants, assessed for characteristic features of infection and compared with other related geminiviruses infecting monocotyledons from Africa, islands in the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Island of Vanuatu. Arrays of virus particles, often crystalline, were most often seen in the nucleus. The morphology of the nuclear crystalline arrays was characteristic of certain isolates or groups of isolates (strains). Infected nuclei could be seen in cells from the phloem parenchyma, vascular bundle sheath and mesophyll tissue, and also in epidermal guard cells of plants infected with the maize strain of MSV. The particle arrays varied in morphology from regular rows of virions forming distinctive blocks, to randomly arranged aggregates in certain areas of the nucleus. We consistently failed to find viral crystalline arrays associated with infection of panicum streak virus (PSV) and sugar cane streak virus (SSV) isolates either in these hosts or in maize. Occasionally arrays of MSV particles were found outside the nuclear envelope in physiologically active cells. Accumulations or sheets of MSV particles were seen lining the walls of some phloem companion cells. Crystalline aggregates of particles were frequently observed in the cell vacuole, after lysis of the nuclear membrane of dead cells which made up the chlorotic lesions, the typical symptom of virus infection. Virus preparations from all hosts contained typical geminate particles regardless of the morphology of the virion arrays. The effect on chloroplasts appeared to vary between isolates and this is discussed in relation to lesion colour. The arrangement of virions in the nucleus as a taxonomic character is diagnostic for MSV. Inclusions with crystalline structure found in sieve elements of infected plants were not immunogold labelled when thin sections were probed using antiserum to the virus particles.     

Biological and Genomic Sequence Characterization of Maize streak virus Isolates from Wheat

ABSTRACT Maize streak virus (MSV) is best known as the causal agent of maize streak disease. However, only a genetically uniform subset of the viruses within this diverse species is actually capable of producing severe symptoms in maize. Whereas these "maize-type" viruses all share greater than 95% sequence identity, MSV strains isolated from grasses may share as little as 79% sequence identity with the maize-type viruses. Here, we present the complete genome sequences and biological characterization of two MSV isolates from wheat that share approximately 89% sequence identity with the maize-type viruses. Clonal populations of these two isolates, named MSV-Tas and MSV-VW, were leafhopper-transmitted to Digitaria sanguinalis and a range of maize, wheat, and barley genotypes. Whereas the two viruses showed some differences in their pathogenicity in maize, they were both equally pathogenic in D. sanguinalis and the various wheat and barley genotypes tested. Phylogenetic analyses involving the genome sequences of MSV-Tas and MSV-VW, a new maize-type virus also fully sequenced in this study (MSV-VM), and all other available African streak virus sequences, indicated that MSV-Tas and MSV-VW are close relatives that together represent a distinct MSV strain. Sequence analyses revealed that MSV-VM has a recombinant genome containing MSV-Tas/VW-like sequences within its movement protein gene.     

Evaluation of Maize Streak Virus Pathogenicity in Differentially Resistant Zea mays Genotypes

ABSTRACT We devised a rapid technique for the objective and precise assessment of both the pathogenicity of maize streak virus (MSV) isolates and the MSV resistance of maize genotypes. The technique involves the use of agroinoculation to infect maize seedlings and the objective symptom evaluation by quantification of infection rates, stunting, and chlorotic leaf areas. In assessing the MSV resistance of 19 maize genotypes, we describe how the use of differentially virulent virus isolates enables the analysis of MSV resistance phenotypes, ranging from extremely susceptible to completely immune. We further demonstrate how quantification of chlorotic leaf areas by image analysis permits differentiation between degrees of MSV resistance that are indistinguishable from one another using currently employed symptom assessment approaches. Using chlorotic area measurements, we quantify the virulence of a diverse group of 10 MSV isolates and, through agroinoculation of differentially susceptible maize genotypes, we demonstrate the use of our technique in evaluating the pathogenicity of these isolates.     

Biological characteristics of maize dwarf mosaic potyvirus from Spain

Two isolates of maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV-Sp and MDMV-Spl) obtained from maize in the northeast of Spain were studied. Both isolates induced similar reactions on 6 sorghum cultivars, johnsongrass and oat (cv. Clintland), with the exception of MDMV-Sp which produced a different reaction on one sorghum cultivar. Thirty-three grass species were tested as possible hosts (16 previously untested) and 18 were found to be susceptible. Among those, eight were previously unidentified hosts for MDMV:Aegilops ovata, A. ventricosa, Avena barbata, Bromus alopecurus, B. diandrus, B. fasciculatus, Echinaria capitata andLolium rigidum. Both isolates were transmitted from maize to maize nonpersistently byRhopalosiphum maidis, R. padi, Schizaphis graminum andSitobium avenae. The virus was not seed-transmitted in Mo17 and B73 maize inbred lines. Pinwheels, scrolls and short curved laminated aggregates were observed in the cytoplasm of maize cells infected by MDMV-Sp or MDMV-Sp1. In addition, laminated aggregates were observed in cells infected by MDMV-Sp1.     

Unraveling evolutionary relationships among the divergent lineages of colletotrichum causing anthracnose disease in turfgrass and corn

ABSTRACT Colletotrichum species cause anthracnose diseases on a number of grass hosts and are common inhabitants of many others. They are divided into four species: C. sublineolum is pathogenic to Sorghum spp.; C. caudatum is found on C4 grasses such as indiangrass and big bluestem; C. falcatum causes red rot of sugarcane; and C. graminicola sensu lato is a broadly defined species including isolates that attack maize, wheat, oats, and many forage, turf, and amenity grasses of the subfamily Pooideae. In this paper, a combination of hierarchal- and nonhierarchal-based analyses were employed to examine evolutionary relationships among the grass-infecting Colletotrichum species, with special emphasis on isolates from turf and other grasses in the subfamily Pooideae. Reconstructions performed with data sets from over 100 Colletotrichum isolates at three variable loci using phylogenetic and network-based methodologies unambiguously supported the taxonomic separation of maize-infecting isolates of C. graminicola from the pooid-infecting strains of Colletotrichum. To reflect the evolutionary relationships that exist between these distinct lineages, we propose the resurrection of the species name C. cereale to describe the pooid-infecting isolates. There was also support for further subdivision of C. cereale, but the current data are insufficient to confidently subdivide the species, as there was some evidence of recombination between lineages of this species.     

Occurrence of barley yellow dwarf virus in pastures of western France

As pasture grasses are preponderant in the agriculture of western France, their role as reservoirs of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and its aphid vectors has been studied from 1984 to 1986. Aphids were observed on most crops of five pasture grass species (brome grass, cocksfoot, tall fescue, Italian and perennial ryegrass) but in very low numbers. Rhopalosiphum padi was the most numerous species. The incidence of BYDV was high, with levels of infection ranging from 6 to 80% depending on the species of pasture grasses. Fescue pastures were highly infected with BYDV, whereas the virus was not detected in cocksfoot pastures. PAV-, RPV-, MAV-like isolates of BYDV were detected in pasture grasses, but RPV- and MAV-like isolates were only detected from ryegrass and brome grass, respectively. The role of these grasses as source of viruliferous aphids infecting cereals is discussed.     

黄瓜花叶病毒两亚组分离物寄主反应和血清学性质比较研究

 本文对枯萎病菌侵入黄瓜不同抗性品种的途径,以及黄瓜受侵染根部维管组织的变化进行了观察。分生孢子在幼根表皮上萌发产生菌丝,通过胞间层侵入表皮细胞,之后菌丝继续向内部生长,穿过皮层组织进入导管。受侵染的导管内相继出现壁覆盖物、侵填体及褐色物。抗病品种的壁覆盖物比感病品种的厚:侵填体由受侵染导管旁边的薄壁细胞产生,一个细胞可产生多个侵填体,并在侵填体中观察到细胞核的存在,感病品种中的侵填体发育不充分,抗病品种中的侵填体能完全堵塞导管;谒色物在感病、抗病品种中均能完全堵塞导管,对菌丝的侵入构成了较强的机械障碍。     

Reaction of maize,sorghum and Johnson grass to Peronosclerospora sorghi

Development of sorghum downy mildew, incited by Peronoscleospora sorghi (Weston and Uppal) C.G. Shaw, on maize, sorghum and Johnson grass was investigated at two locations in Uganda during three seasons (1994 and 1995). More sorghum downy mildew developed on the Johnson grass and sorghum than on the maize at all locations and in all seasons. No significant differences were observed in sporulation of P. soghi on the three hosts. Leaf shredding occurred on the three hosts but was the least on maize. Cross-inoculation with both conidia and oospores was achieved on the three hosts. Since the fungal population formed oospores and sporulated readily on the three hosts, which is typical of the sorghum strain, the disease in Uganda is attributed to the sorghum strain.     

Identification, characterization, and relatedness of luteovirus isolates from forage legumes

ABSTRACT Virus isolates from forage legumes collected from eight different states were identified as luteoviruses closely related to soybean dwarf luteovirus dwarfing (SbDV-D) and yellowing (SbDV-Y) described in Japan. All isolates produced reddened leaf margins in subterranean clover and were transmitted in a persistent manner by Acrythosiphon pisum, but not by Aulacorthum solani. Specific monoclonal antibodies raised against SbDV-Y were differentially reactive with endemic isolates. Immunoblots probed with a SbDV-D polyclonal antiserum showed single 26-kDa coat protein bands, confirming close serological relatedness to SbDV. Analyses of genomic and subgenomic double-stranded RNAs and northern blot analyses confirmed genomic relatedness to SbDV. Based on our results, we conclude that the U.S. luteovirus isolates studied comprise a strain or strains of the soybean dwarf virus that have clovers as common hosts and the pea aphid as a common vector.     

Molecular, ultrastructural, and biological characterization of Pennsylvania isolates of Plum pox virus

Plum pox virus (PPV) was identified in Pennsylvania in 1999. The outbreak was limited to a four-county region in southern Pennsylvania. Initial serological and molecular characterization indicated that the isolates in Pennsylvania belong to the D strain of PPV. The Pennsylvania isolates were characterized by sequence analysis, electron microscopy, host range, and vector transmission to determine how these isolates related to their previously studied European counterparts. Genetically, Pennsylvania (PPV-Penn) isolates were more closely related to each other than to any other PPV-D strains, and isolates from the United States, Canada, and Chile were more closely related to each other than to European isolates. The PPV-Penn isolates exist as two clades, suggesting the possibility of multiple introductions. Electron microscopy analysis of PPV-Penn isolates, including cytopathological studies, indicated that the virions were similar to other Potyvirus spp. PPV-Penn isolates had a herbaceous host range similar to that of European D isolates. There were distinct differences in the transmission efficiencies of the two PPV-Penn isolates using Myzus persicae and Aphis spiraecola as vectors; however, both PPV-Penn isolates were transmitted by M. persicae more efficiently than a European D isolate but less efficiently than a European M isolate.     

香蕉束顶病毒株系生物学特性的研究

 在广东香蕉束顶病株症状基本相同的情况下,在8个产区分别随机采集11~15个标样共111个分离物,接种在香蕉苗上,其后又从8个产区的分离物中各选取1个代表分离物用于进行各项研究。寄主范围试验结果,这8个代表分离物可分为能侵染粉蕉的NSP株系(以广州天河分离物为代表的7个分离物)和不能侵染粉蕉的NS株系(高州代表分离物)。用Eco RI对8个毒源地的111个分离物DNA组分1进行酶切分析,结果表明:所有高州分离物共15个和信宜分离物14个中的9个都可以被酶切,应属NS株系;而其余6个毒源地的所有分离物及信宜分离物中的另外5个都不能被酶切,应属NSP株系。在病害潜育期方面,2个株系在大蕉上的差异达到显著水平;在香蕉4个品种上,2株系也存在较明显的差异,但其中有些差异未达到显著水平。在病毒增殖、运转速度及病毒达到高浓度所需的时间上,2个株系也存在显著的差异。     

内蒙古锡林郭勒天然草原禾本科牧草根际18株固氮细菌的初步分类鉴定

采用16SrDNA测序方法对从内蒙古锡林郭勒天然草原四种主要禾本科牧草根际分离获得的18个固氮菌株进行属水平的鉴定,结果表明：其中7株属于土壤杆菌属（Agrobacterium）、3株属于产碱菌属（Alcali-genes）、1株属于固氮菌属（Azotobacter）、1株属于芽孢杆菌属（Bacillus）、3株属于假...     

Genetic Structure of the Population of Pepino mosaic virus Infecting Tomato Crops in Spain

ABSTRACT The population structure of Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV), which has caused severe epidemics in tomato in Spain since 2000, was analyzed. Isolates were characterized by the nucleotide sequence of the triple gene block and coat protein gene and, for a subset of isolates, a part of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene. The full-length sequence of the genomic RNA of a Solanum muricatum isolate from Peru also was determined. In spite of high symptom diversity, the Spanish population of PepMV mostly comprised highly similar isolates belonging to the strain reported in Europe (European tomato strain), which has been the most prevalent genotype in Spain. The Spanish PepMV population was not structured spatially or temporally. Also, isolates highly similar to those from nontomato hosts from Peru (Peruvian strain) or to isolate US2 from the United States (US2 strain) were detected at lower frequency relative to the European strain. These two strains were detected in peninsular Spain only in 2004, but the Peruvian strain has been detected in the Canary Islands since 2000. These results suggest that PepMV was introduced into Spain more than once. Isolates from the Peruvian and US2 strains always were found in mixed infections with the European tomato strain, and interstrain recombinants were detected. The presence of different strains of the virus, and of recombinant isolates, should be considered for the development of control strategies based on genetic resistance.     

Isolation of two strains of a new Tombusvirus (Havel river virus, HaRV) from surface waters in Germany

Two virus isolates from water samples — one from a small stream in South Western Germany and another one from the Havel river in North Eastern Germany c. 500 km away, proved to be strains, named S and H, respectively, of a new Tombusvirus for which the name Havel river virus (HaRV) had been suggested previously in a brief account. Immunoelectron microscopical decoration tests and sequence comparisons of the coat proteins indicated that the two HaRV strains are only distantly related to known Tombusviruses. The closest relationships were found to Cucumber necrosis virus. Nothing is known about their natural hosts. Because the S strain of HaRV was isolated in a woody area from a small stream close to its origin, they may be pathogens of trees or wild plants in such habitats.     

北京玉米和高粱上的玉米矮花叶病毒

 北京郊区玉米和高粱上的三个汁传病毒分离物鉴定为玉米矮花叶病毒株系B (MDMV),它可被桃蚜(Myzus persicoe)由玉米传至玉米,这三个分离物不侵染约翰逊草(Sorghum halepense(L) pers)。稀释终点是10^-2-10^-3;致死温度是50-55℃;体外保毒期是1-2天。MDMV的颗拉长度是735±15毫微米,在染病高粱叶的细胞质中观察到凤轮状内含体。狗尾草(Setaria viridis(L) Beauv),马唐(Digitavia Sanguinalis(L) Scop),蟋蟀草(Eleusine indica(L) Gaertn),矛叶荩草(Arthraxan Lancelatus(Roxb) Hochst)是北京地区MDMV的天然寄主。该病毒也侵染大油芒(Spodiopogon Sibiricus Trin)。     

稻瘟菌群体中dsRNA的多样性及稻瘟菌菌株QSP5中病毒对寄主生物学性状影响的研究

 真菌病毒在真菌中广泛存在,一些真菌病毒可以影响病原真菌营养生长、产孢和色素形成等性状。本文研究了真菌病毒在水稻稻瘟菌中的多样性以及其对寄主生物学性状的影响。采用单孢分离的方法从发病水稻叶片上分离获得了120个稻瘟菌菌株,其中约52%携带dsRNA片段。菌株QSP5被2个基因组为dsRNA的病毒即产黄青霉病毒1-C(Magnaporthe oryzae chrysovirus 1-C, MoCV1-C)和稻瘟菌病毒3(M. oryzae virus 3, MoV3)所侵染。对菌株QSP5进行单个的分生孢子纯化,获得了仅携带MoV3的菌株QSP5-9。菌株QSP5与QSP5-9的产孢量、菌丝形态以及菌落形态存在明显差异,经研究推测MoCV1-C与菌株QSP5 的产孢能力衰退、菌丝生长和产色素异常相关。同时对MoV3的稳定性进行了初步的研究。从稻瘟菌菌株QSP5获得了100个单孢分离物,通过对随机挑选的40个单孢分离物进行检测,结果表明这些分离物100%携带MoV3,只有部分单孢分离物携带MoCV1-C。另外,从稻瘟菌菌株QSP5-9获得了94个单孢分离物,对随机挑选的45个单孢分离物进行检测,结果表明这些分离物中均含有与菌株QSP5-9大小相同的dsRNA片段。根据以上结果推定MoV3在稻瘟菌菌株QSP5和QSP5-9及其无性后代中具有一定的稳定性。     

The classification of isolates of Gaeumannomyces graminis from wheat, rye and oats using restriction fragment length polymorphisms in families of repeated DNA sequences

Isolates of the take-all fungus, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae , which affects oats, wheat and other grasses, and of G.g. var. tritici , which preferentially affects wheat, rye and barley, contain a high proportion of repeated sequences. Total DNA from 57 fungal isolates collected from many locations and different cereal hosts, and scored for virulence on wheat, rye and oats, revealed many restriction fragment length polymorphisms. These RFLP s were observed either by staining the DNA directly, by hybridization to radioactively labelled total fungal DNA , or by hybridization with labelled wheat ribosomal DNA . With only a few exceptions, the isolates with the same preferred cereal hosts showed more similar patterns of restriction fragments than isolates that had different pathogenicity properties on cereal hosts, irrespective of the geographical origins of the isolates. This was even the case for R isolates of G.g. var. tritici that were virulent on wheat and rye compared with N isolates that were virulent only on wheat. Isolates were identified by hybridizing DNA from infected root samples with ³²P-labelled total fungal DNA . The restriction fragment polymorphisms involving families of repeated sequence can therefore be used as a predictive assay for host preference of an isolate, and have probably arisen by host selection of fungal lineages. The variation between isolates in different pathogenicity groups suggests that there is little gene flow between isolates that can infect different hosts, even though they can coexist in the same field.     

Genotypic diversity of beet curly top virus populations in the Western United States

ABSTRACT The genotypic diversity of beet curly top virus (BCTV) present in the western United States has been examined by the analysis of 58 field isolates and eight laboratory or nursery isolates of the virus. Full-length clones for each isolate have been characterized for genotype by restriction endonuclease mapping. The results indicate that most of the genotypes examined may be classified as variants of the CFH, Worland, or Cal/Logan strains of BCTV. Two genotypes were recovered that appear to share certain genotypic markers of both Worland and CFH strains. Genotypic variants of the CFH and Worland strains and the two genotypes sharing markers of both strains were recovered from field isolates collected during 1994 and 1995. In contrast, the Cal/Logan strain was recovered only from isolates maintained in laboratories or nurseries. Comparisons of restriction endonuclease maps of cloned BCTV genomes revealed considerable variability both within and between strains. Although a total of 43 distinct genotypes of BCTV were identified, only 36 (84%) were recovered from field isolates. Of 37 field isolates for which more than a single clone was recovered, 16 (43%) contained more than a single genotype of one strain, whereas 4 (11%) harbored mixed infections of the CFH and Worland strains. A phylogenetic analysis using 43 characters derived from restriction endonuclease mapping data supported the grouping of 41 genotypes into three taxa consistent with the three currently recognized strains of BCTV. The relationships of the two genotypes sharing genotypic markers of both the Worland and CFH strains to other BCTV genotypes was unresolved in the phylogenetic analysis. Based on the mild symptom phenotype of the isolates from which these two genotypes were recovered and the presence of Worland genotypic markers in portions of the genome containing both cis- and trans-acting elements determining replication specificity, these two genotypes were tentatively considered as variants of the Worland strain.     

Cicadulina species and maize streak virus in Ethiopia

Abstract

A preliminary survey was made in the most important maize‐growing regions of Ethiopia to record the species of Cicadulina present, their distribution and abundance. Five species of Cicadulina were found, including two not previously reported from Ethiopia. The maize strain of maize streak geminivirus (MSV) occurred predominantly between 450 and 1800 m above sea level, which coincides with the altitudinal range of C. mbila implicating this species as the principal vector of MSV in Ethiopia. The maize strain isolate was indistinguishable from others from elsewhere in Africa.