Identification and Evaluation of the Virus-Induced Mosaic Camellia reticulata in Southwest China

摘要

The virus-induced mosaic Camellia reticulata cultivars in southwest China were identified, and evaluated for their ornamental value and bio-security in landscape. The results show that 11 virus-induced mosaic Camellia reticulata cultivars are found. The virus in mosaic leaves is spherical, with 30-50 nm in diameter. For the mosaic leaves, the chloroplasts are degraded in the yellow macular region, and the content of chlorophyll is significantly decreased. However, the virus-induced mosaic Camellia reticulata grow normally, and with significantly improved of visual appeal due to mosaic leaves. Further, the virus-induced mosaic Camellia reticulata have no bio-security threats to the main crops and other landscape plants. Thus, the virus-induced mosaic Camellia reticulata can be cultivated normally in the landscape in southwest China.