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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #198842

Title: MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION AND EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MINT VIRUS 2, A NEW MEMBER OF THE GENUS VITIVIRUS

Author
item TZANETAKIS, I - OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
item Postman, Joseph
item Martin, Robert

Submitted to: Panhellenic Phytopathogical Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/10/2006
Publication Date: 10/16/2006
Citation: Tzanetakis, I.E., Postman, J.D., Martin, R.R. 2006. Molecular characterization and epidemiology of Mint virus 2, a new member of the genus Vitivirus. Panhellenic Phytopathogical Conference.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Three viruses have been identified in the ornamental mint clone Mentha x gentilis L. 'Variegata'. Several 'Variegata' clones were ordered from nurseries in the United States to identify a virus consistently associated with symptoms. One clone did not show typical symptoms and steps were taken to identify the agents that may be involved in the novel symptomatology. This communication focuses in one of the three viruses found in the off-type clone, named hereafter as Mint virus 2 (MV2). The majority of the genome has been sequenced and phylogenetic analysis revealed the close relationship of the virus to members of the genus Vitivirus. Purification of the virus has been proven recalcitrant and only few virions were visible under the electron microscope. MV2 shares many features with Grapevine viruses A and B, including several epitopes in the coat protein genes, but antibodies against the two grapevine viruses did not cross-react with MV2 in ELISA assays. The virus can be transmitted with the mint aphid in the presence of the closterovirus Mint virus 1 while transmissions assays from MV2 single infected plants are underway.