Biological and molecular characterization of isolates of catharanthus mosaic virus infecting Mandevilla sp.

This work reports the genome sequence, host responses and transmission assays of two isolates of catharanthus mosaic virus (CatMV) from plants of Mandevilla sp. in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The complete genome sequences of CatMV isolates, M1 and M2, comprised 9593 and 9711 nucleotides, respectively. The deduced polyprotein showed 99% (M1) and 84% (M2) identities with the corresponding amino acid sequence of a CatMV from Australia. CatMV-M2 isolate was mechanically transmitted and systemically infected Nicotiana benthamiana and Catharanthus roseus . It also caused local lesions on inoculated leaves of Chenopodium amaranticolor and C. quinoa . This isolate was transmitted by Myzus persicae to plants of Mandevilla sp. CatMV-M1 isolate, however, did not infect any of the above plants when mechanically inoculated, neither was transmitted by M. persicae . Use of virus-free mother plants of Mandevilla sp. for seedling production is recommended for disease management.