First Report of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) in Costa Rica

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Virology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Sugarcane yellow leaf syndrome (YLS) symptoms were first observed in Costa Rica in 1994.
• Recent observations indicate YLS symptoms in commercial sugarcane plantations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) with YLS in Costa Rican sugarcane.
• To identify viral particles in symptomatic and asymptomatic sugarcane plants.

Main Methods:

• Immunospecific electron microscopy (ISEM) was used to examine plant samples.
• Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect ScYLV presence.

Main Results:

• Isometric particles approximately 28 nm in size, consistent with ScYLV, were observed in most symptomatic and some asymptomatic plants.
• ScYLV was detected in 22 of 24 symptomatic plants and 5 of 13 asymptomatic plants using ELISA.
• The findings confirm a strong association between ScYLV and YLS in Costa Rican sugarcane.

Conclusions:

• ScYLV is confirmed as a pathogen associated with sugarcane yellow leaf syndrome in Costa Rica.
• Further investigation is required to determine if other pathogens contribute to YLS, as ScYLV was not detected in all symptomatic plants.