Indian peanut clump virus, a fungal transmitted Pecluvirus infecting both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants in India

Abstract

Indian peanut clump virus (IPCV), a member of the genus Pecluvirus under the family Virgaviridae has a wide host range, which include monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Among the diseases caused by IPCV in different crops, clump disease of peanut or groundnut is most important and one of the major limiting factors of groundnut production in sandy and loamy-sand soils in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujrat, Rajasthan and Punjab. A comprehensive research on transmission, host-range, serology and molecular characterization of this virus was carried out in India from International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad. The virus is transmitted by sap, seed, and fungus (Polymyxa graminis). Besides groundnut, IPCV also infects pigeonpea, cowpea, chili, wheat, barley, sorghum, sugarcane and maize. Virion of IPCV has two rod-shaped particles measuring 249 and 184 nm in length and 24 nm in diameter. ELISA and immunosorbent electron microscopy revealed three serotypes of IPCV, viz. IPCV-Hyderabad, IPCV-Durgapura and IPCVLudhiana. The genome of IPCV composed of two positive sense ssRNA components, which are encapsidated by a single coat protein. Till now the complete sequence of one RNA-1 and three RNA-2 components of IPCV are available in the sequence database. Sensitive broad spectrum detection of IPCV has been demonstrated using non-radioactive nucleic acid probes. Cultural practices like soil solarization, early planting, and trap cropping with pearl millet are some measures for management of the disease.