Characterization of a Cucumber Mosaic Virus Isolate and Satellite RNA from the Ornamental Host Ajuga reptans `Royalty'

Abstract

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was isolated from the perennial ornamental mint, Ajuga reptans L. `Royalty', using melon aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover). The isolate and its associated satellite RNA (satRNA) were biologically and chemically characterized. The satRNA was cloned and sequenced and is 338 nucleotides long and does not induce lethal necrosis on `Rutgers' tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) or severe chlorosis on tobacco (Nicotiana L. spp.). The virus is ≈28 to 30 nm in diameter and reacts to CMV serological subgroup I antibodies. The virus is able to infect `Black Beauty' squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and `Howden' pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) but is not able to infect green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) or cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. unguiculata]. The virus is able to efficiently replicate its satRNA in tobacco and `Black Beauty' squash but replication is less efficient in cucumber, based on accumulation of double-stranded satRNA.