Serologic and molecular determination and phylogenetic analysis of some viruses infecting pepper in Turkey

Abstract

Viruses are among the major agents causing yield loss in pepper production. During the 2016-2017, a survey was performed in pepper
fields to determine of some viruses in pepper plants showing virus-like symptoms in different provinces of Turkey. Plant samples were
assayed using DAS-ELISA with specific antisera for cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), tomato yellow leaf
curl virus (TYLCV), alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). The DAS-ELISA results indicated that 42.2, 17.5,
17.5, and 10.6 of the 421 samples were infected with CMV, TSWV, AMV, and PMMoV, respectively. The positive samples were further
analysed by RT-PCR and sequencing. Based on sequence analyses, a phylogenetic tree was drawn for each of CMV, PMMoV and AMV.
Phylogenetic analysis showed that CMV isolates were placed in subgroup IA within the major group I. The AMV isolates were classified
within four clades and showed a high variability. PMMoV isolates were grouped with Serbia, Brazil, and Japan isolates within the group I.
One AMW isolates determined possible recombinant isolates. Further studies needed for more information about recombinant isolates
and evolutions. The analyses of the molecular structure of viruses is important for the accurate diagnosis of the pathogen and to apply
the right method of management strategies for controlling plant viruses in agriculture.