Cuttings of Punica granatum for fruit production and ornamental usage have been introduced in accordance with EC directives in the Emilia-Romagna region from the USDA/ARS clonal germplasm repository (California) due to the increasing of pomegranate production all over the Italian territory. This planting material, before its delivering throughout the territory, was subjected to specific analysis in order to ensure a proper sanitary selection. Samples from symptomatic (yellowing, deformation or discoloration of leaves) and symptomless pomegranate trees were tested by ELISA assay using antibodies specific for several viruses affecting fruit crops. In many samples Tomato Ringspot Virus (ToRSV, EPPO A2 list) was detected and its infection confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. Biological characterization of the viral isolates was carried out. Buds were grafted into indicator peach rootstocks and sap from symptomatic tissues was mechanically inoculated onto herbaceous test plants on which typical symptoms of chlorotic ringspot, necrotic lesions, wilting and leaf curling were observed. Phylogenetic analysis revelead high sequence identity of RNA1 and RNA2 3'UTR regions of 4 pomegranate isolates. Official phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate the disease. All pomegranate plants of US origins have been uprooted and destroyed. These measures were aimed to avoid the ToRSV diffusion, with the intent to prevent the virus establishment in our territory where it would be harmful not only to pomegranates but also to other economically important fruit crops, as it is happening in USA:
First detection of Tomato Ringspot Virus in pomegranate plants.
CALASSANZIO, MATTEO;BICCHERI, ROBERTA;LANZONI, CHIARA;POGGI POLLINI, CARLO;RATTI, CLAUDIO
2016
Abstract
Cuttings of Punica granatum for fruit production and ornamental usage have been introduced in accordance with EC directives in the Emilia-Romagna region from the USDA/ARS clonal germplasm repository (California) due to the increasing of pomegranate production all over the Italian territory. This planting material, before its delivering throughout the territory, was subjected to specific analysis in order to ensure a proper sanitary selection. Samples from symptomatic (yellowing, deformation or discoloration of leaves) and symptomless pomegranate trees were tested by ELISA assay using antibodies specific for several viruses affecting fruit crops. In many samples Tomato Ringspot Virus (ToRSV, EPPO A2 list) was detected and its infection confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. Biological characterization of the viral isolates was carried out. Buds were grafted into indicator peach rootstocks and sap from symptomatic tissues was mechanically inoculated onto herbaceous test plants on which typical symptoms of chlorotic ringspot, necrotic lesions, wilting and leaf curling were observed. Phylogenetic analysis revelead high sequence identity of RNA1 and RNA2 3'UTR regions of 4 pomegranate isolates. Official phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate the disease. All pomegranate plants of US origins have been uprooted and destroyed. These measures were aimed to avoid the ToRSV diffusion, with the intent to prevent the virus establishment in our territory where it would be harmful not only to pomegranates but also to other economically important fruit crops, as it is happening in USA:I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
