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Bermuda Grass as a Potential Reservoir Host for Grapevine fanleaf virus

Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) was detected in samples of Bermuda grass (BG) from Iran by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using two different pairs of GFLV-specific primers, and also by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antiserum specific for a North American isolate of the virus. RT-PCR detected GFLV in both fresh and dried BG tissues and in virus preparations purified from these plants. Cloning and sequencing of the RT-PCR products confirmed that the amplified sequences were sections of the GFLV coat protein gene. Similar results were obtained when random and oligo(dT) primers were used on viral RNA templates recovered from BG to synthesize cDNA for cloning and sequencing. The virus induced few or no symptoms in BG, but could nonetheless be transmitted from BG to Chenopodium quinoa by mechanical inoculation. Some isolates induced systemic chlorotic spots and leaf deformation; others remained symptomless in this plant. Both symptomatic and symptomless C. quinoa plants were found to be infected with GFLV, giving positive ELISA and RT-PCR tests. A North American isolate of GFLV was found to be mechanically transmissible to BG as indicated by positive RT-PCR results from root samples of inoculated plants. GFLV-infected BG was widely distributed in the Fars province of Iran.