Author
TZANETAKIS, IOANNIS - University Of Arkansas | |
Martin, Robert |
Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 3/10/2015 Publication Date: 12/26/2016 Citation: Tzanetakis, I., Martin, R.R. 2017. Blueberry virus A. In: Polashock, J.J., Caruso, F.L., Averill, A.L., Schilder, A.C., editors. Compendium of Blueberry, Cranberry, and Lingonberry Diseases and Pests. 2nd edition. St. Paul, MN: APS Press. p. 60-61. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Leaf yellowing on highbush blueberry ‘Spartan’ prompted Isogai et al. to investigate whether a virus was the causal agent of the disorder. After double-stranded RNA extraction from symptomatic material they identified a single band of 17 Kb, indicative of virus infection. Shotgun cloning and sequencing revealed the presence of a novel virus designated as blueberry virus A (BVA). Several symptomatic and asymptomatic ‘Spartan’ plants and a small number of symptomless ‘Bluecrop’, ‘Coville’, ‘Sierra’ individuals were tested for the virus, and symptomatic and symptomless plants were found to be infected with BVA. Grafting of virus-free ‘Blueray’, ‘Sierra’ and ‘Spartan’ scions onto infected ‘Spartan’ rootstock was successful but no symptoms were observed for two years. These observations indicate the virus is symptomless in single infections. It has not been possible to transmit BVA using leaf sap from infected bushes to inoculate herbaceous hosts or blueberry seedlings. BVA taxonomy is still in flux but its similarity with members of the genus Closterovirus prompted the testing of the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) as a potential vector. All transmission attempts with this aphid were unsuccessful. |