ARS | Publication request: Widespread occurrence and low genetic diversity of Colombian datura virus in Brugmansia suggest an anthropogenic role in virus selection and spread.

Submitted to: Plant Disease
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: February 18, 2011
Publication Date: June 1, 2011
Citation: Chellemi, D.O., Webster, C.G., Baker, C.A., Annamalai, M., Achor, D., Adkins, S.T. 2011. Widespread occurrence and low genetic diversity of Colombian datura virus in Brugmansia suggest an anthropogenic role in virus selection and spread.. Plant Disease. 95:755-761.

Interpretive Summary: Symptoms typical of virus infection were seen on leaves of Brugmansia plants from a Florida nursery in 2003. Colombian datura virus (CDV) was identified in these initial plants and subsequent Brugmansia and Datura metel plants obtained from Florida, Connecticut, Wisconsin and California. Our results demonstrate that CDV is prevalent in Brugmansia and related nursery and landscape plants in multiple regions of the U.S.

Technical Abstract: Colombian datura virus was identified in Brugmansia and Datura metel plants from multiple regions of the U.S. using serological and molecular tests including ELISA and PCR. The low genetic diversity of CDV detected suggests that worldwide diversity of the virus has developed in a relatively short period of time, coinciding with human collection and dissemination of CDV-infected Brugmansia plants from the Brugmansia center of origin.