Occurrence and identification of Okra Mosaic Virus in Urena lobata in Nigeria

Abstract

A virus disease causing intense yellow mosaic symptoms was observed on Urena lobata L. and on a number of other plant species. It was not seed transmitted in Urena lobata L. but was transmitted by two species of chrysomelid beetles Podagrica uniforma Jacq and Nisotra dilecta Nalm. (Coleoptera). The purified virus produced two bands in a 5-40% sucrose gradient with the top component consisting of empty protein shells. Electron microscopy revealed isometric particles. Antiserum to the virus was produced. The virus was serologically related to Okra mosaic virus (OMV). An SDS-PAGE analysis of the coat protein showed that the molecular weight of the sub-unit was 20-22,000 daltons. The properties of the virus isolate in Urena lobata L. suggest that it may belong to the tymovirus group and be related to OMV. Urena lobata L. may be a wild host of OMV.

International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 5 2004: 36-45