Two barley yellow dwarf luteovirus serotypes associated with stunting of irrigated wheat in Zambia

Abstract

Barley yellow dwarf luteovirus (BYDV) serotypes PAV and RPV were identified from irrigated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) samples from three provinces of Zambia by double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using polyclonal and monoclonal antisera. Nine wheat cultivars were surveyed in 11 wheat fields. The virus caused stunting of the infected plants and leaf yellowing. The BYDV-PAV and BYDV-RPV serotypes were identified from 9 and 10 of the 11 surveyed fields, respectively, with the two serotypes co-infecting some plants. Of the nine wheat cultivars surveyed, four were infected with PAV, one with RPV and four with both serotypes. Disease incidence caused by BYDV in the surveyed fields ranged from 5 to 25%. This is the first report on the occurrence of BYDV in wheat in Zambia.



Key Words: Barley yellow dwarf Luteovirus, detection, serology, serotypes, symptoms



(African Crop Science Journal: 2000, 8(2): 187-194)