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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Charleston, South Carolina » Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #183693
Title: Grapevine Leafroll Associated Viruses

Author
item Ling, Kai-Shu
item ZHU, HAI-YING - UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
item GONSALVES, DENNIS - USDA-ARS

Submitted to: Characterization, Diagnosis and Management of Plant Viruses
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/10/2005
Publication Date: 12/11/2007
Citation: Ling, K., Zhu, H., Gonsalves, D. Grapevine leafroll associated viruses. In Rao, G.P., Myrta, A., and Ling, K. (eds). Characterization, Diagnosis and Management of Plant Viruses, Vol 2. Horticultural Crops. Studium press, Houston, Texas, USA, pp 181-199. 2008. (Book Chapter)

Interpretive Summary: Study of the etiology of grapevine leafroll disease is complicated by the likely involvement of nine different viruses. Characterization of these viruses was a slow process due to potential mixed infection. In the last 10 years, a great deal of genome sequence information has been made available from all nine viruses that are associated with grapevine leafroll. Highly sensitive molecular technique, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has been developed to provide timely and accurate virus identification. This review summarizes the progress made on molecular characterization of these viruses, especially grapevine leafroll associated virus-2 and -3, and the development of reverse transcription PCR for detection of a panel of grapevine leafroll associated viruses. These timely and sensitive virus detection techniques enable the U. S. grape industry to select and plant the most healthy plant materials in their vineyards.

Technical Abstract: This book chapter reviews recent advances in molecular characterization of grapevine leafroll associated viruses (GLRaV), and the development and application of molecular techniques for a timely and sensitive detection of nine viruses that are associated with the leafroll disease on grapevine. To date, at least partial or complete genome nucleotide sequences from all nine viruses that are associated with grapevine leafroll disease have been made available in the last 10 years. Molecular technique, especially reverse transcription PCR has gradually been adopted for detection of grapevine leafroll viruses. This technique has now been routinely used by several public and private testing laboratories in several countries to perform a panel virus test on grapevine health check. In addition, the technology to use an antibody against recombinant viral proteins has also been successfully applied for detection of GLRaV-2 and -3. As additional viral sequence that will be made available, this technique should have a broader implication on other GLRaVs. A brief description on the management of leafroll disease in the vineyard was also recommended.