Biological and ultrastructural studies of zucchini yellow mosaic virus in squash plants

Abstract

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) was isolated from squash plants showing virus like symptoms collected from open fields of Sohag Governorate. The host range of the isolated virus was studied. Twenty six plant species and varieties belonging to nine families were mechanically inoculated with the studied zucchini yellow mosaic virus. Lupinus sp., Vigna unguiculata, Arachis hypogaea, Convolvulus arvensis, Gossypium sp were found to be infected systemically with the studied virus. Whereas necrotic local lesions were detected on leaves of Cheopodium album and Datura metale as a result of infection with the studied Zucchini yellow mosaic virus. Dilution end point, thermal inactivation point and longevity in vitro of the studied virus were found to be 10-3, 60 ºC and 24 hours, respectively. Ultrathin sections of squash leaves infected with ZYMV revealed various ultrastructure alterations. The chloroplast, mitochondria, and nucleus were clearly affected by viral infection.