Diseases of broad bean (Vicia faba L. major) and green pea (Pisum sativum L.) in Tasmania caused by subterranean clover red leaf virus

Abstract

A leaf-roll disease of broad bean, similar to that induced by bean leaf roll virus (BLRV) in Europe, is common in Tasmania. Subterranean clover red leaf virus (SCRLV) was transmitted to subterranean clover test seedlings by using its most efficient vector, Aulacorthum solani (Kalt.), from 84% of 204 randomly selected affected broad bean plants. The disease was reproduced in broad bean with SCRLV in controlled aphid transmission tests. Effects of infection on yield were severe, as further pod set was markedly reduced after symptoms of infection developed. There was some variation among cultivars in their response to infection. The virus occurred as commonly in green pea crops as in broad bean. In pea it caused a top yellowing, but most commercially grown pea cultivars had some tolerance. Subterranean clover stunt virus (SCSV) caused symptoms in broad bean and pea which were also similar to those induced by SCRLV. However, SCSV was rarely found infecting plants in Tasmanian pea and bean crops. BLRV, SCRLV and SCSV share many properties in common and with some other viruses.