Cucurbit leaf crumple virus Identified in Common Bean in Florida

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Virology
• Entomology

Background:

• Virus-like symptoms, including leaf deformation and mosaic, were observed on common bean plants in Florida.
• Adjacent watermelon fields had confirmed infections of Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV), Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV), and Papaya ringspot virus type W (PRSV-W).
• Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) were present on both bean and watermelon plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the causal agent of virus-like symptoms in common bean plants.
• To determine if CuLCrV, previously found in nearby watermelon, was infecting the bean plants.
• To report the first instance of CuLCrV infecting a non-cucurbit host in Florida.

Main Methods:

• Symptomatic and asymptomatic bean samples were collected for molecular analysis.
• Initial diagnostic tests included ELISA for common viruses.
• PCR and RT-PCR assays were performed using specific and degenerate primers for various viruses, including begomoviruses.
• Sequencing of PCR products and nucleic acid dot-blot hybridization were used for definitive identification.

Main Results:

• ELISA assays for potyviruses and Cucumber mosaic virus were negative.
• RT-PCR tests for SqVYV, PRSV-W, and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus were negative.
• PCR with degenerate begomovirus primers yielded positive results in symptomatic bean samples.
• Sequencing and hybridization confirmed the presence of CuLCrV, with high sequence identity to known isolates.

Conclusions:

• Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) was identified in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Florida.
• This represents the first report of CuLCrV infecting a non-cucurbit host in Florida.
• The findings suggest CuLCrV may have a wider distribution in Florida and that common beans could act as a potential reservoir for this virus.