Walter N Leke

ABSTRACT Virus diseases present major constraints to production of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Cameroon. However, the identity of these viruses had not been determined prior to this study. Detection of begomoviruses in okra using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been problematic because of interfering polysaccharides and phenolics. We report the use of FTA® Classic Cards as an effective means of collecting, extracting, storing, and retrieving begomovirus DNA from okra leaf samples. Leaves presenting symptoms of virus attack were collected from okra plants in the south-western rain forest region of Cameroon and pressed onto FTA® Classic Cards. Using PCR and universal begomovirus primers, all 10 symptomatic samples were positive. In contrast, two of 10 samples were positive using extracted total DNA. The virus species were provisionally identified by sequencing 536 nt of the viral coat protein gene (V1). Okra yellow crinkle virus (OkYCV) was detected in all okra samples, with a nucleotide identity of 96-99% to two OkYCV isolates from Mali. Onesample contained a mixed infection with OkYCV and Cotton leaf curl Gezira virus (CLCuGV). A phylogenetic analysis showed close grouping of OkYCV isolates from Cameroon and Mali and of CLCuGV isolates from Cameroon, Egypt and the Sudan.

Sixteen viruses, belonging to 16 species of begomovirus, that infect crops and weeds in Vietnam were identified. Sequence analysis of the complete genomes showed that nine of the viruses (six monopartite and three bipartite) belong to novel species and five of them were identified in Vietnam for the first time. Additionally, eight DNA-β and three nanovirus-like DNA-1 molecules were also found associated with some of the monopartite viruses. Five of the DNA-β molecules were novel. Importantly, a second bipartite begomovirus, Corchorus golden mosaic virus, shared several features with the previously characterized virus Corchorus yellow vein virus and with other bipartite begomoviruses from the New World, supporting the hypothesis that New World-like viruses were present in the Old World. This, together with a high degree of virus diversity that included putative recombinant viruses, satellite molecules and viruses with previously undescribed variability in the putative stem–loop seque...

Begomoviruses are plant-infecting viruses, which are transmitted by the whitefly vector Bemisia tabaci. They have a genome of single-stranded DNA that consists of either a single (monopartite) or two components (bipartite) with a component size of approximately 2.8 kb. Many monopartite begomoviruses in the Old World have been found to be associated with betasatellite and alphasatellite molecules, which are about half the size of their helper begomovirus genome. Betasatellites have been shown to be necessary for inducing severe disease symptoms. In Cameroon, B. tabaci has been associated with suspected begomovirus infections in many crop and weed species. Despite their growing importance, only begomoviruses infecting cassava have been studied in Cameroon in any detail. Thus, there was a need for additional information on diversity and distribution of begomoviruses and satellites in vegetable crops and dictyledonous weeds, which likely serve as virus reservoirs. In field studies carri...

The complete genome sequence was determined and characterized for a previously unreported bipartite begomovirus from fluted pumpkin (Telfairiaoccidentalis, family Cucurbitaceae) plants displaying mosaic symptoms in Cameroon. The DNA-A and DNA-B components were ~2.7 kb and ~2.6 kb in size, and the arrangement of viral coding regions on the genomic components was like those characteristic of other known bipartite begomoviruses originating in the Old World. While the DNA-A component was more closely related to that of chayote yellow mosaic virus (ChaYMV), at 78 %, the DNA-B component was more closely related to that of soybean chlorotic blotch virus (SbCBV), at 64 %. This newly discovered bipartite Old World virus is herein named telfairia mosaic virus (TelMV).

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a novel bipartite begomovirus isolated from cotton plants (Gossypium raimondii, Malvaceae) exhibiting light yellow mosaic symptoms. The genome sequence was determined by Illumina DNA sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing of RCA-enriched, cloned circular genomic components. The DNA-A and DNA-B components were each ~2.7 kb in size, and their genome arrangement was characteristic of other Old World bipartite begomoviruses. While the DNA-A component was most closely related to tobacco leaf curl Comoros virus (TbLCKMV) at 80 %, the DNA-B component had as its closet relative soybean chlorotic blotch virus (SbCBV) at 66 %. This previously undescribed begomovirus is herein named “cotton yellow mosaic virus” (CYMV).

... Is a multifunctional, oligomeric protein, which possesses site-specific DNA-binding to the reiterated motifs (iterons) at the intergenic region (IR) and initiates DNA replication by introducing a nick and ligation at the conserved nonanucleotide sequence, executes ATP-dependent ...

The complete genome sequence was determined and characterized for a previously unreported bipartite begomovirus from fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis, family Cucurbitaceae) plants displaying mosaic symptoms in Cameroon. The DNA-A and DNA-B components were ~2.7 kb and ~2.6 kb in size, and the arrangement of viral coding regions on the genomic components was like those characteristic of other known bipartite begomoviruses originating in the Old World. While the DNA-A component was more closely related to that of chayote yellow mosaic virus (ChaYMV), at 78 %, the DNA-B component was more closely related to that of soybean chlorotic blotch virus (SbCBV), at 64 %. This newly discovered bipartite Old World virus is herein named telfairia mosaic virus (TelMV).

Begomovirus isolates ToF3B2 and ToF3B17 and betasatellite isolate SatBToF3 were obtained from the same infected tomato plant showing begomovirus disease symptoms in Fontem, Cameroon. The full-length nucleotide sequences of ToF3B2, ToF3B17 and SatBToF3 were cloned and sequenced and were determined to be 2,797 nt, 2,794 and 1,373 nt long respectively. When compared with other begomovirus and betasatellite sequences, ToF3B2 was 93.5 % identical to Tomato leaf curl Togo virus, ToF3B17 was 95 % identical to Tomato leaf curl Cameroon virus and SatBToF3 was 92 % identical to Ageratum leaf curl Cameroon betasatellite (ALCCMB), respectively. The identification of ALCCMB in Ageratum and now in tomato strongly suggests Ageratum may be an alternative host to these viruses and that ALCCMB is non host specific and may cause severe diseases when transmitted to other crops.

ABSTRACT Imported tomato fruits infected with Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) were identified on the market in northern Europe using paper-based FTA Classic Cards (Whatman), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and partial DNA sequence analyses. Trade tomatoes originating from southern Europe, Africa and the Middle East were sampled in Estonia and Sweden, and tested for infection of begomoviruses. Out of 100 samples analysed with 5 fruits in each sample (58 samples from Estonia and 42 from Sweden), 20 samples were positive (16 from Estonia and 4 from Sweden). Rolling circle amplification (RCA) and full-length genome sequence analysis of one isolate collected in Estonia and one isolate in Sweden, revealed highest nucleotide sequence identity at 99% to TYLCV-IL for the Estonian isolate and at 97% to TYLCV-Mld for the Swedish isolate. In this study, TYLCV was identified for the first time in imported tomato fruits on the market in northern Europe. FTA cards proved to be an effective means to collect, extract and store begomovirus DNA from tomato fruits and the subsequent molecular analysis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Until recently, taro Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, was considered a neglected food crop due to its low palatability and inferior value compared to other root crops such as cassava, potatoes and yams. Under the impulse of new studies on plant dispersal, and in light of the severe threats posed by pests to its conservation status, this crop has finally received more attention. However, there is still insufficient knowledge on specific cultivars and their culinary and medicinal uses, especially in Africa. We studied the agrodiversity of taro cultivars in Nigeria, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania. Here, we present ethnobotanical, morphological and linguistic data of 20 taro cultivars, as well as specific notes on abandoned landraces. These traditional varieties represent valuable genetic resources and can be instrumental in protecting taro from the genetic erosion caused by preference for yautia, and diseases such as the leaf blight. With this work, we call for renewed efforts to conserve this species and its landraces.