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First Detection of Faba bean necrotic yellow virus in Spain

Faba bean necrotic yellow virus (FBNYV) was not detected during 1994 to 1996 field surveys of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) in Spain (1). In 1997, however, one sample with symptoms of necrosis, collected in Baleares, was tested using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and was positive for both Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and FBNYV. FBNYV is a single-strand DNA virus that is transmitted by aphids and is the main virus disease of broad bean in North Africa and West Asia (2). During 1997 to 1999, faba bean plants with symptoms of necrosis, yellowing, small leaves, and stunting were collected from several fields in the Murcia Region (Spain) and were analyzed using ELISA. To detect FBNYV, we used monoclonal 2E9 supplied by H. J. Vetten (Institute of Plant Virology, Microbiology and Biosafety, BBA, Braunschweig, Germany). Of 700 samples analyzed, 34 were positive for FBNYV. Of the 34 positive samples, 12 tested positive, using commercial antiserum from Loewe, Inc. (Munich) for mixed infections with TSWV. FBNYV was transmitted to healthy faba bean plants by aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) in greenhouse experiments and was confirmed by ELISA. Preliminary epidemiological data showed a gradual increase in the number of plants infected with time in the same field. Aphid transmission of FBNYV to faba beans has established the disease in Spain and is a potential threat to other leguminous crops. This is the first report of a nanovirus in Europe.

References: (1) J. Fresno et al. Plant Dis. 81:112, 1997. (2) L. Katul et al. Ann. Appl. Biol. 123:629, 1993.