Cucumber mosaic virus infecting ‘Cavendish’ banana in Argentina

Abstract

Banana plants (Musa sp.) showing severe mosaic symptoms in leaves were observed in Laguna Naineck, Formosa, Argentina. Electron microscopy observations of leaf dip preparations revealed isometric particles ca. 30 nm in diameter, which were identified as cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test and reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). CMV was mechanically transmitted to healthy Nicotiana glutinosa plants. Sequence analysis of coat protein gene showed highest nucleotides identity with other CMV isolates from