A Seedborne Potyvirus Causing Mosaic of Cowpea in India. V. R. Mali, Department of Plant Pathology, Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani 431 402, M.S., India. K. S. Kulthe, Department of Plant Pathology, Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani 431 402, M.S., India. Plant Dis. 64:925-928. Copyright 1980 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-64-925.

A seedborne virus isolated from CM-11 cowpea was identified as a member of the potyvirus group. The isolate resembled blackeye cowpea mosaic more than it resembled bean yellow mosaic virus, based on transmission studies, host range, physical properties, serology, cytology, and electron microscopy. The virus was readily transmitted mechanically and by Aphis gossypii in a nonpersistent manner. It was also transmitted through CM-11 cowpea seeds at a level of 41.6%. The virus was inactivated between 60 and 65 C and at dilutions of 10^–4. The virus had a restricted host range and infected 10 of 42 hosts tested in the families of Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae, and Leguminosae.

Keyword(s): aphid transmission, cowpea seedborne virus.