Nucleotide sequence of the coat protein gene of Mirafiori lettuce virus

 The coat protein (CP) gene of Mirafiori lettuce virus (MiLV), a tentative member of the genus Ophiovirus was isolated and sequenced. The established sequence consists of 1514 nucleotides including one open reading frame (ORF) with 1311 nucleotides that encodes 437 amino acids with a relative molecular mass 48 543. When the ORF was expressed in Escherichia coli, the obtained protein was confirmed as CP by Western blotting using an antiserum against MiLV. Database searches showed that the CP gene of MiLV has a sequence similar to that of Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV), the type species of the genus Ophiovirus. The comparison between MiLV and CPsV CP genes revealed that the identities of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences were 46.5% and 30.9%, respectively. Received: July 29, 2002 / Accepted: October 2, 2002     

Gibberella ear rot of corn caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium asiaticum</Emphasis> in Japan

Ear rot with white or pink mold was found on corn (Zea mays L.). A species of Fusarium, not registered previously as a pathogen causing Gibberella ear rot of corn in Japan, was isolated from the rotted ear. The isolates, identified as F. asiaticum based on morphological characteristics and nucleotide sequences, caused white or pink mold on corn ear after inoculation. Moreover, the 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol chemotype and the nivalenol chemotype were found in the isolates. We propose to include F. asiaticum as one of the pathogens causing Gibberella ear rot of corn in Japan.