First Report of Garlic common latent virus Infecting Garlic in Sudan

Area of Science:

• Plant Virology
• Agricultural Science
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a vital crop in Sudan, with over 6,000 ha cultivated.
• Garlic production in Sudan faces challenges from viral diseases, with limited data on prevalent viruses.
• Mosaic and mottling symptoms were observed in local garlic varieties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify viruses affecting garlic in Sudan.
• To characterize the genetic makeup of detected viruses.
• To establish a basis for sustainable garlic production through virus detection.

Main Methods:

• Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) extraction from infected garlic leaves.
• Random reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification, cloning, and sequencing.
• Double antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA and specific RT-PCR for confirmation.
• Electron microscopy for particle morphology analysis.

Main Results:

• A high molecular weight dsRNA (approx. 9 kbp) was isolated.
• Sequence analysis identified the virus as Garlic common latent virus (GarCLV), with 85-97% nucleotide identity to known isolates.
• DAS-ELISA and RT-PCR confirmed GarCLV presence in five out of six samples.
• Electron microscopy revealed filamentous, flexuous particles characteristic of carlaviruses.

Conclusions:

• This is the first report of GarCLV in garlic in Sudan and Africa.
• GarCLV is identified as a significant virus impacting Sudanese garlic.
• Developing reliable diagnostic tools is essential for selecting virus-free planting material and ensuring sustainable garlic production.