An improved DNA extraction method in okra for rapid PCR detection of Okra enation leaf curl virus from diverse Indian regions

The extraction of DNA from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is challenging due to its high mucilage and polysaccharide content, which can hinder both the yield and quality of DNA. In this study, an improved DNA isolation method is described incorporating a key modification being the use of solution I (1 M NaCl and 2% Sarcosyl) as a pre-treatment before applying the CTAB buffer, resulting in high-purity genomic DNA in just 1 h and 45 min., making it suitable for handling large sample sizes due to its rapid processing capabilities. This enhanced DNA extraction method was crucial for the accurate and rapid molecular detection of Okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCuV), a monopartite begomovirus that has spread across various regions of India. Transmitted by the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), OELCuV causes leaf curling, enations, and stunted growth in okra, leading to significant yield losses. The surveys conducted during the 2020–21 and 2021–22 sowing seasons revealed disease incidence ranging from 14.03 to 67.57%. The extracted DNA via the improved DNA extraction method enhanced the speed of PCR based molecular identification of OELCuV, using virus-specific coat protein primers. The amplified CP genes were cloned and sequenced to study the CP gene based diversity among OELCuV isolates from different states of India. The CP gene nucleotide identity among the studied OELCuV isolates ranged from 95.57 to 99.27%, while comparison with previously reported Indian OELCuV CP sequences, the nucleotide identity ranged from 89.35 to 98.83%. The successful application of this optimized DNA extraction method sped up the detection process but also holds promise for broader use in the molecular study of okra and other mucilaginous crops, particularly in the rapid and reliable identification of begomoviruses. The optimized DNA extraction method significantly accelerated the detection of OELCuV, demonstrating its efficiency and reliability. This method shows strong potential for broader applications in the molecular study of okra and other mucilaginous crops, making it a valuable tool for future research and disease management.