Detection of cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus in Queensland

Abstract

Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CAMV) is shown to cause a mosaic disease of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in north Queensland. The virus was identified on the basis of its host range and symptoms, particle morphology, transmission by sap, aphids, and in seed, and its serological reaction with a known antiserum to an East African isolate of CAMV. No resistance was found in 14 cowpea cultivars. The potential of CAMV as a cause of disease in beans grown in the Burdekin bean seed production area was investigated but most bean cultivars tested were resistant. Only the cultivars Black Turtle Soup, Climbing Blue Lake, Limelight, Pinto and the navy bean lines Actolac, Gallaroy and Kerman were susceptible and produced severe sumptoms.