Identification of Double-Stranded RNAs Associated with Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus Infection of Oats

Abstract

Double-stranded RNAs were identified in preparations from Coast Black oats infected with each of 5 characterized isolates of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). Differences both in the number and electrophoretic mobility of isolate-associated double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) support the division of BYDV isolates into 2 distinct groups consisting of group 1 isolates, MAV, PAV and SGV, and group 2 isolated, RPV and RMV. Five dsRNAs with MW of approximately 3.6, 2.0, 1.2, 0.55 and 0.50 .times. 106 daltons were observed from oats infected with group 1 isolates. Only 4 dsRNAs with MW of 3.8, 1.6, 1.2 and 0.55 .times. 106 were detected in oats infected with group 2 isolates.