Occurrence of Tobacco streak virus on Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) in India

Abstract

A virus disease of peanut (groundnut, Arachis hypogaea L.), characterized by necrosis of the stem and terminal leaflets followed by death, caused severe crop losses in Andhra Pradesh, India during the rainy season of the year 2000. The disease was referred to as peanut stem necrosis disease (PSND). Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata, cv. C-152) and Phaseolus vulgaris (cv. Topcrop) were found to be suitable for propagating the virus. In laboratory inoculation tests, the virus was found to infect a large number of plants. In laboratory tests, the virus was transmitted by the thrips Frankliniella schultzei. Virus particles were purified by differential centrifugation and sucrose density gradient centrifugation from infected cowpea plants and were used to elicit the production of a rabbit polyclonal antiserum with high titer. Extracts of infected plants reacted with antiserum to Tobacco streak virus (TSV). Analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins extracted from purifie... In this article, we report the occurrence of a virus disease on peanut that caused over US$65 million in loss to peanut crops in one location in India during the year 2000. The causal agent has been identified as Tobacco streak virus (TSV). This is the first comprehensive report on TSV from India. The article also highlights the economic importance of TSV to sunflower crops. In addition, information is given on crops and weeds which can act as sources of inoculum. Data will aid in the development of strategies for cost-effective disease management.