Seed transmission of Papaya meleira virus

What is it about?

Papaya meleira virus, causal agent of papaya sticky disease, was first reported in Brazil and more recently in Mexico. Yield losses caused by this virus in papaya orchards are considerable over a relatively short time span, and the fact that, to date, very little is known regarding its transmission mechanisms has made it difficult to achieve an effective control and prevent dissemination. A few published reports have claimed that PMeV is not seed transmissible. In this study, evidence for seed transmission of PMeV was established. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in three seed materials: whole dry seed, seed coat and embryo-endosperm, it was observed a seed transmission rate of around 81 % in Carica papaya cv. Maradol. The high percentages of seed transmission suggest that this may be an important form of virus dissemination. This study showed for the first time that PMeV is seed-borne and can be transmitted to the next generation via contaminated seed.

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Why is it important?

Given the importance of identifying the modes of transmission of this virus, was important to determine whether or not PMeV is transmitted by seeds. Identifying the primary sources of inoculums may help to reduce PMeV spread by eliminating a primary source of inoculums in the field for other types of transmission

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