Molecular Evaluation of the Principal Ranunculus asiaticus L. Viruses

The buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus L.) belongs to the family Ranunculaceae and is a popular ornamental plant cultivated for the sale of cut flowers and for the production of pot or border plants. The hybrids of Ranunculus asiaticus are susceptible to infection by several viruses, very often present in mixed infection, and all associated with economically important diseases. In the present study the main viruses infecting Ranunculus hybrids (Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Ranunculus white mottle virus (RWMV), Ranunculus leaf distortion virus (RLDV) and others) were evaluated by double step RT-PCR assays and specific primers, using leaf tissues as starting material. Results showed the presence of some viral species in the samples analyzed, either in single or in mixed infection, and confirm that the molecular evaluation, due to versatility of use and reliability of results, can be easily used as a tool for viruses detection on large scale propagation materials in order to prevent the spread of the principal viruses and assure the production of virus-free Ranunculus plants.