Serological variability among European isolates of radish mosaic virus

Abstract

Serological variability of radish mosaic virus (RaMV) isolates from white mustard, winter turnip rape, Camelina sativa and Chinese cabbage, collected in the Czech Republic and Russia, was studied using antisera against the Czech isolate RaMV1. In contrast to previous studies, reasonable serological differences were found between isolates from different locations and hosts, and even between neighbouring mustard plants in the field. Serological variability of European isolates was confirmed in extended experiments involving an Italian isolate, the American Type Strain (ATS) and its homologous antiserum. The results indicate that, in Europe, RaMV isolates may occur which differ both serologically and in host plant response, but no typical strains can be defined with the methods and isolates employed so far. Camelina sativa is reported as a new host of the virus.