Characterization and Detection of Several Filamentous Viruses of Cherry: Adaptation of an Alternative Cloning Method (DOP-PCR), and Modification of an RNA Extraction Protocol

Abstract

For the identification and analysis of new RNA plant viruses infecting fruit trees, an initial step often involves the laborious procedure of isolation and cDNA synthesis and cloning from purified viral dsRNA. For subsequent RT-PCR detection of these and other viruses from tissue with high phenolic and polysaccharide concentrations, a simple and efficient extraction protocol for viral nucleic acid is also important. A method for rapid cDNA cloning from small amounts of purified dsRNA using a modification of degenerate oligo primed polymerase chain reaction mbox(DOP-PCR), and a modification of a protocol for effective extraction of viral RNA for use in RT-PCR are presented. Both methods were used to analyze a number of mottling diseases described in cherry. The causal agents for two of these diseases have been previously described, Cherry green ring mottle virus, a tentative member of the foveaviruses, and Cherry mottle leaf virus, a member of the trichoviruses. For the diseases cherry rusty mottle and cherry necrotic rusty mottle, data are presented identifying viruses associated with each disease. Viruses associated with cherry rusty mottle, cherry necrotic rusty mottle and European isolates of cherry mottle leaf diseases, are closely related to Cherry green ring mottle virus and can be tentatively included in the foveavirus genus. An additional virus, related to cherry green ring mottle virus, was discovered by RT-PCR cloning and appears to be a common latent virus of cherry. Finally, isolates of cherry necrotic mottle disease could be assayed positive by RT-PCR for a virus