Detection of tobacco rattle virus RNA in processed potato chips displaying symptoms of corky ringspot disease

Abstract

In Apr. 2008, commercially purchased processed potato chips were observed with dark brown arcs and rings typical of corky ringspot disease. This disease is caused by infection with tobacco rattle virus (TRV). A portion of RNA 1 of TRV was amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from each of eight discolored chips from three different bags purchased at three locations. Sequence analysis of the 463-bp amplicons confirmed that the products were indeed TRV in origin and were 97% identical to TRV sequences of isolates originating in Washington, Florida, and Wisconsin. Extracts from the symptomatic RT-PCR-positive chips were not infectious when mechanically inoculated onto tobacco leaves. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of the detection of plant virus RNA in a food product after high-temperature frying.