Prunus Necrotic Ringspot Ilar Virus Incidence in Apricot and Peach Trees in Saudi Arabia
Prunus Necrotic Ringspot Ilar Virus Incidence in Apricot and Peach Trees in Saudi Arabia
Khalid Alhudaib
ABSTRACT
Cultivated areas with fruit trees in Saudi Arabia are estimated at 233,513 h and produce more than 1.6 million tons of fruits annually. Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Prune dwarf virus (PDV) and Plum Pox virus (PPV) are the most important and common viruses infecting stone fruit trees in nearby countries, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt. In spring 2009, field surveys were carried out in an area of stone fruit production (Al Juof- North of Saudi Arabia) to record virus incidence of stone fruit trees. Apricots and peaches were observed showing chlorotic rings, necrotic spots, and a shot-hole appearance. A total of 166 leaf samples (65 Apricots and 101 Peach) were collected and transferred to the Lab. to be analyzed for the causal virus. Double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) was performed using the commercially available for PNRSV. Result showed that 30 (11 Apricot and 19 Peach) out of 166 leaf samples were infected with PNRSV. Total RNA, from the same samples used in ELISA test, was extracted in accordance with its instructions to confirm ELISA results. RT-PCR was performed using PDV, PNRSV and PPV specific primers. RT-PCR resulted in the amplification of a 346 bp fragment as expected and negative result with PPV and PDV. The obtained result indicating the presence of PNRSV, in Apricot and Peach in Saudi Arabia, is recorded. The amplified fragment was sequenced and deposited in GenBank (Accession No. HM584814). The sequence was compared with PNRSV isolates and had 100% identity with AF170170 from Czech Republic while 97% identity for PNRSV from USA (AF013287). Further investigations are needed for other commercial orchards and nurseries. This result demonstrates first detection of PNRSV in Saudi Arabia.
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