Some Properties of a Tobacco Mosaic Virus Strain Isolated from Pepper (Capsicum annuum) in Nigeria. E. C. K. Igwegbe, Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Plant Dis. 67:317-320. Accepted for publication 24 July 1982. Copyright 1983 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-67-317.

A new strain of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), serologically related to the type strain, was isolated from severely stunted and mottled pepper (Capsicum annuum 'California Wonder') plants from Ankpa, Benue State, Nigeria. Host range and physical properties were similar to those of previously described strains of TMV, except that this strain caused local lesions followed by systemic necrosis in Nicotiana glutinosa, N. rustica, and N. tabacum 'Burley 21,' 'Havana 425,' 'Samsun-NN,' and 'Xanthi' and Datura stramonium; defoliation and death of young plants of D. metel, D. ferox, and Physalis floridana; and wilting followed by defoliation of necrotic leaves of Tabasco pepper. This virus is considered to be a previously undescribed strain of TMV because of the unique and severe symptoms it causes on several hosts. The name "defoliation strain of TMV" (TMV-DS) is suggested for this virus.