Molecular and biological characterization of Macroptilium yellow mosaic virus from Jamaica

Abstract

The molecular and biological characterization of a begomovirus infecting the common weed Macroptilium lathyroides from Jamaica are reported. The virus showed 92% sequence identity to an isolate of Macroptilium yellow mosaic virus (MaYMV) from Cuba, but was distinct from the two other begomoviruses isolated from M. lathyroides, namely Macroptilium yellow mosaic Florida virus (80% identity) and Macroptilium mosaic Puerto Rico virus (68% identity). Hence, the Jamaican begomovirus was considered an isolate of MaYMV and called Macroptilium yellow mosaic virus-[Jamaica] (MaYMV-[JM]). In infectivity studies using cloned DNA-A and DNA-B genomic components, MaYMV-[JM] infected red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and produced mild symptoms in Scotch Bonnet pepper (Capsicum chinense), but did not infect cabbage (Brassica oleracea). This information has implications for the development of strategies to control begomovirus diseases in Jamaica and elsewhere. © 2008 The Authors.