Ute Kastirr

Distribution of various types and P25 subtypes of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus in Germany and other European countries

The distribution of various Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) genotypes was studied using beet samples received from Germany and neighbouring countries. Almost exclusively B type BNYVV was detected in Germany, whereas in neighbouring countries BNYVV A types with different compositions of the amino acid tetrad in positions 67–70 of the RNA-3-encoded P25 are widely distributed. Neither A types nor the P type have been able to become established in Germany in the past decades, although there must have been many opportunities for their introduction from neighbouring countries. In one field, however, an RNA-5-containing BNYVV genotype closely resembling the Chinese isolate Har4 was found.

Detection and molecular analysis of Hop latent virus and Hop latent viroid in hop samples from Poland

Monitoring the occurrence of virus diseases in plants is important for the implementation of early control measuresand prevention of further disease spread. In Poland,in 2004 a health programme for hop was started to eliminateviruses and viroids. In 2012/13, in vitro plants, samples from the IUNG-PIB experimental station and commercial hop gardens in Poland were tested for Hop latent virus (HpLV), and Hop latent and Hop stunt viroids (HpLVd and HpSVd). For virus testing, RT-PCR and ELISA methods were used. In order to detect hop viroids, RT-PCR was employed. The overall incidence of HpLV and hop viroidswas lower than reported before the start of theprogramme. Cloning and sequencing revealed that the HpLV and theHpLVd from Polish sources are very similar to the typesequences and the Czech sources.

Quantification of Wheat spindle streak mosaic virus and Soil borne cereal mosaic virus in resistance testing of field samples of triticale using real-time RT-PCR.

Triticale, a cross between rye and wheat, is a crop important for animal feed and the production of biogas and ethanol. Soil-borne viruses found in wheat and rye, such as Furoviruses and Bymoviruses, also infect triticale. In order to evaluate resistance/tolerance it is necessary to accurately quantify virus content in the plants. We have developed RT-qPCR assays for the quantitative detection of the Bymovirus Wheat spindle streak mosaic Virus (WSSMV) and the Furovirus Soil-borne cereal mosaic virus (SBCMV) in field samples. Both a SYBR Green and a hydrolysis probe approach were tested. The RT-qPCR approach allows the quantitative evaluation and differentiation of triticale resistance to WSSMV and SBCMV. The reproducible large-scale analysis of field samples is feasible.