VIEW ARTICLE

Distribution of Cactus Viruses in Wild Plants. M. Chessin, Professor, Department of Botany, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59801, USA; D. Lesemann, Virgologist, Biologische Bundesanstalt, 33 Braunschweig, Messeweg 11/12 West Germany. Phytopathology 62:97-99. Accepted for publication 5 August 1971. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-62-97.

Flat-padded Opuntia species (prickly pears) were sampled in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah for the presence of elongated viruses. The TMV-like Sammons’ Opuntia virus and a flexible rod of the cactus virus X and/or Zygocactus virus type were found throughout the collecting area. These were detected, singly or as mixtures, in at least some specimens of all species sampled. A striking disjunct distribution of virus was observed, particularly in Opuntia basilaris, with no virus being found north of a line drawn from Searchlight, Nev., to Grasshopper Junction, Ariz. Possible reasons for this absence of virus are discussed.