ISHS Acta Horticulturae 164: VI International Symposium on Virus Diseases of Ornamental Plants
OCCURRENCE OF CHLOROTIC RINGSPOT VIRUS IN COMMERCIAL HIBISCUS ROSA - SINENSIS CULTIVARS |
| Author: | B. C. Raju |
| Abstract:
Several commercial Hibiscus rosa - sinensis cultivars were found to be naturally affected by chlorotic ringspot virus in Florida. Symptoms were mottling, chlorotic spots and rings. Tests were conducted using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and inoculated H. cannabinus (kenaf) seedlings. Inoculated kenaf seedlings showed necrotic and chlorotic leaf spots and the virus was systemic. Chlorotic ringspot virus was readily detected by ELISA in leaves, stems, sepals and petals throughout the year with antiserum prepared against hibiscus chlorotic ringspot virus in rabbit and the immunoglobulins conjugated with alkaline phosphatase. Kenaf was not a reliable indicator during summer in Florida. The virus was easily transmitted mechanically and by grafting. Pruning shears were found to spread the virus in field. Hibiscus seedlings grown in an insect-proof greenhouse were consistently found to be virus-free by ELISA and kenaf inoculations. In inoculation studies, the virus significantly reduced the growth of hibiscus and kenaf seedlings. Vein-clearing and vein-banding were observed in some hibiscus cultivars but the virus association with these symptoms is not known. | |
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