Commelina mosaic virus
Encyclopedia
Commelina mosaic virus (CoMV) is a plant pathogenic virus in the genus Potyvirus
and the virus family Potyviridae
. Like other members of the Potyvirus genus, CoMV is a monopartite strand of positive-sense, single-stranded RNA surrounded by a capsid made for a single viral encoded protein. The virus is a filamentous particle that measures about 707-808 nm in length. This virus is transmitted by two species of aphids, Myzus persicae
and Aphis
gossypii, and by mechanical inoculation.
Commercial antiserum is not available for this virus. However, diagnosis in this plant can be made by symptoms and by the presence of plate-like inclusions. . (See Figures 1 and 3 in reference 3.)
Symptoms and Inclusions of Commelina mosaic virus in Commelina diffusa.
(Potyviruses make proteinacous inclusions in infected plant cells. These inclusions can be seen in the light microscope in leaf strips of infected plant tissue stained with Orange-Green (protein stain) but not Azure A (nucleic acid stain)
. There are four different kinds of Potyvirus inclusions . CoMV belongs to group II. )
(2). Since then, two, possibly three, other potyviruses have been reported to infect members of this family, Tradescantia mosaic virus
(=Tradescantia/Zebrina virus), Aneilema virus (3) and Tradescantia mild mosaic virus
CoMV was originally found in the host plant Commelina diffusa
(2). Later it was also found in Tradescantia spathacea
(Rhoeo spathacea) kept under greenhouse conditions (3). Plants of C. diffusa infected with this virus were first found in Florida (2) and in a later study the virus was found in a plant from the Dominican Republic (3). Host range studies indicate that this virus, though common in Florida, has a limited host range and does not pose a risk to agricultural crops. However, it was often found in a double infection with Cucumber mosaic virus
(CMV) which is an important pest for Florida agriculture. Plants infected with both viruses were found to be “significantly more effective sources of CMV 5-8 weeks after inoculation that singly infected plants.”(2)
Potyvirus
Potyviruses infect plants and belong to the family Potyviridae. The genus is named after the type virus - Potato Virus Y.The Potyvirus, like the Begomoviruses, have ~30% of the currently known plant viruses and have at least 180 definitive and possible members...
and the virus family Potyviridae
Potyviridae
The Potyviridae are a family of plant viruses. They are . Their genome is composed of positive-sense RNA which is surrounded by a protein coat made up of a single viral encoded protein called a capsid. All induce the formation of virus inclusion bodies called in their hosts...
. Like other members of the Potyvirus genus, CoMV is a monopartite strand of positive-sense, single-stranded RNA surrounded by a capsid made for a single viral encoded protein. The virus is a filamentous particle that measures about 707-808 nm in length. This virus is transmitted by two species of aphids, Myzus persicae
Myzus persicae
Myzus persicae, known as the green peach aphid, is a small green aphid. It is the most significant aphid pest of peach trees, causing decreased growth, shriveling of the leaves and the death of various tissues...
and Aphis
Aphis
Aphis may refer to:* Aphis, a genus of aphid species* Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service , organizational unit of the USDA* HMS Aphis , Royal Navy insect class gunboat...
gossypii, and by mechanical inoculation.
Commercial antiserum is not available for this virus. However, diagnosis in this plant can be made by symptoms and by the presence of plate-like inclusions. . (See Figures 1 and 3 in reference 3.)
Symptoms and Inclusions of Commelina mosaic virus in Commelina diffusa.
(Potyviruses make proteinacous inclusions in infected plant cells. These inclusions can be seen in the light microscope in leaf strips of infected plant tissue stained with Orange-Green (protein stain) but not Azure A (nucleic acid stain)
. There are four different kinds of Potyvirus inclusions . CoMV belongs to group II. )
Host Range and Geographic Distribution
Commelina mosaic virus was first reported in 1977 and was the first Potyvirus found infecting a member of the plant family, CommelinaceaeCommelinaceae
Commelinaceae is a family of flowering plants. In less formal contexts, the group is referred to as the dayflower family or spiderwort family. It is one of five families in the order Commelinales and by far the largest of these with an estimated 650 species in 40 genera. Well known genera include...
(2). Since then, two, possibly three, other potyviruses have been reported to infect members of this family, Tradescantia mosaic virus
Tradescantia mosaic virus
Tradescantia mosaic virus is a plant pathogenic virus in the genus Potyvirus and the virus family Potyviridae. Like other members of the Potyvirus genus, TZV is a monopartite strand of positive-sense, single-stranded RNA surrounded by a capsid made for a single viral encoded protein. The virus...
(=Tradescantia/Zebrina virus), Aneilema virus (3) and Tradescantia mild mosaic virus
CoMV was originally found in the host plant Commelina diffusa
Commelina diffusa
Commelina diffusa, sometimes known as the climbing dayflower or spreading dayflower, is a pantropical herbaceous plant in the dayflower family. It has been introduced to the southeastern United States where it is most common in wet disturbed soils. There are two recognised varieties, one being the...
(2). Later it was also found in Tradescantia spathacea
Tradescantia spathacea
Tradescantia spathacea, or Moses-in-the-Cradle, is a herb native to Mexico with fleshy rhizomes. It has rosettes of waxy lance-shaped leaves. Leaves are dark to metallic green above, with glossy purple underneath. These will reach up to 1 foot long by 3 inches wide. They are very attractive...
(Rhoeo spathacea) kept under greenhouse conditions (3). Plants of C. diffusa infected with this virus were first found in Florida (2) and in a later study the virus was found in a plant from the Dominican Republic (3). Host range studies indicate that this virus, though common in Florida, has a limited host range and does not pose a risk to agricultural crops. However, it was often found in a double infection with Cucumber mosaic virus
Cucumber mosaic virus
Cucumber mosaic virus is a plant pathogenic virus in the family Bromoviridae.It is the type member of the plant virus genus, Cucumovirus. This virus has a worldwide distribution and a very wide host range. In fact it has the reputation of having the widest host range of any known plant virus...
(CMV) which is an important pest for Florida agriculture. Plants infected with both viruses were found to be “significantly more effective sources of CMV 5-8 weeks after inoculation that singly infected plants.”(2)