Detection and Molecular Characterization of Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) Spread Along the Syrian Coast

Mouhanna, A.M., A.A. Ali Hasan and H.N.H. Alobaidi. 2021. Detection and Molecular Characterization of Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) Spread Along the Syrian Coast. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 39(1): 47-54. Identification of local isolates of Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) was investigated using serological and molecular methods. A total of 293 leaf samples from watermelon, zucchini, pumpkin, cucumber, pepper, beans and potato, with symptoms suggestive of virus infection, were collected from fields in two Syrian governorates (Latakia, Tartus) along the Syrian coast. DAS-ELISA tests revealed the presence of WMV in watermelon, zucchini, pumpkin and cucumber samples, with an average relative incidence of 36.95, 26.31, 29.27 and 37.70%, respectively. The infection of pepper with Watermelon mosaic virus was reported for the first time in Syria, with an average relative incidence of 2.94%. WMV was not detected in potato and beans, and these results were confirmed by RT-PCR. The local WMV isolate Cu4 was grouped with an Iranian isolate [EU660584.1] with 98.9% sequence identity. A Turkish isolate [EU660579] was grouped with local WMV isolate Wa2 with 98.3% sequence identity. Furthermore, two local isolates Zu6 and Cu8 represented one sub-group with 99.3% sequence identity. Keywords: Watermelon mosaic virus, DAS-ELISA, RT-PCR, CI, Phylogenetic Tree.