Identification of Three Distinct Classes of Satellite RNAs Associated With Two Cucumber mosaic virus Serotypes from the Ornamental Groundcover Vinca minor

Abstract

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a cosmopolitan virus which may also have small satellite RNAs (satRNA) associated with it affecting symptom development. Vinca minor (periwinkle) plants exhibiting subtle mosaic symptoms tested positive for CMV by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) analysis of CMV-Vinca field isolates in Nicotiana tabacum ‘Glurk’ suggested two sizes of putative satRNA associated with CMV. Immunocapture RT-PCR, cloning, and sequencing of the movement protein, coat protein, and satRNAs demonstrated serogroup 1A and serogroup 2 CMV helper strains and three distinct classes of satRNAs of four sizes. Further, two classes of satRNAs could be distinguished by their necrosis domains. Previously CMV was reported in V. minor in New Jersey. This is the first report of CMV in V. minor in Ohio and the first report of satRNA associated with CMV in V. minor in the United States. Accepted for publication 1 February 2012. Published 12 April 2012.