Variability in sequence and symptom severity of 17 radish isolates of Turnip mosaic virus

What is it about?

Whereas the majority of isolates induced severe symptom in Nicotiana benthamiana, three distinct types of mild symptom isolates were identified. Differences in ability to infect radish and Chinese cabbage were also noted. The results should be of value in screening crop germplasm for additional resistance genes.

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Why is it important?

Turnip mosaic virus is a major pathogen of cruciferous crops; new isolates are emerging that are able to overcome currently deployed resistance genes. Identification of the variability in field populations of the virus is important for future selection of new resistance genes to allow breeding to maintain crop yields and quality.