Pollen and seed transmission of Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) in apricot.

摘要

Recent studies carried out at CEBAS-CSIC of Murcia (Southeast of Spain) indicate that Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) seems to be the causal agent of the apricot "viruela" disease. However, regarding the natural transmission of this disease, no information is available to date. In this study, two different experiments were carried out in order to evaluate the pollen and seed transmission of ACLSV in apricot. In insect-proof conditions, healthy 'Bulida' apricots were inoculated with the APR62 ACLSV isolated by grafting a piece of bark. Pollen from these infected plants was used for self-pollination and for the pollination of other 'Bulida' healthy trees. On the other hand, fruits showing strong "viruela" symptoms collected in different locations in the Region of Murcia during the harvest time were analyzed by both ELISA and RT-PCR, being ACLSV positive. Seeds from both assays were germinated and the leaves of obtained seedlings analysed through ELISA and RT-PCR. It seems that ACLSV infection affected the germination of the seeds. In none of the seedlings ACLSV was detected, so we can conclude that ACLSV is not transmitted by seeds.