DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME ISOLATES OF CHERRY GREEN RING MOTTLE VIRUS

A one-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was applied for detection of Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV) in naturally infected sweet and sour cherry trees and in woody indicators. Virus-specific primers and degenerate primers were used to amplify viral genomic fragments of selected CGRMV isolates. Six isolates of CGRMV were analysed by a primer combination encompassing the coat protein gene. The amplification products were cloned and sequenced. Nucleotide sequences of the coat protein of virus isolates were compared to corresponding regions of published sequences of CGRMV. On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the coat protein gene all studied isolates weregrouped in clade II. All investigated CGRMV isolates induced symptoms on woody indicators Prunus serrulata Shirofugen and Kwanzan cvs.