Virus Diseases of Seven Species of Forage Legumes in the Southeastern United States. M. R. McLaughlin, Research Plant Pathologist, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Crop Science Research Laboratory, Forage Research Unit, P. O. Box 5367, Mississippi State, MS 39762. D. L. Boykin, Mathematical Statistician, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Mid South Area, Jamie Whitten Delta States Research Center, P. O. Box 225, Stoneville, MS 38776. Plant Dis. 72:539-542. Accepted for publication 11 January 1988. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1988. DOI: 10.1094/PD-72-0539.

Researchers in 11 southeastern states conducted a regional test comparing the incidence of several virus diseases in seven species of forage legumes. The “seven species test” was conducted in 1978, 1979, and 1980 and included alfalfa, alsike clover, arrowleaf clover, crimson clover, red clover, subterranean clover, and white clover. Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV), clover yellow vein virus (CYVV), peanut stunt virus (PSV), red clover vein mosaic virus (RCVMV) and white clover mosaic virus (WCMV) were detected in plants of all seven species. Infections by AMV, RCVMV, and WCMV were relatively fewer than those by BYMV, CYVV, and PSV. The incidences of AMV and RCVMV did not differ significantly among the seven species. Statistically significant differences among the seven species were observed in the incidences of BYMV, CYVV, PSV, and WCMV. Relatively high incidences of BYMV infections were observed in alsike, subterranean, and red clovers and PSV infections in white clover.