Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most important winter grain in Argentina. Its production is limited by several factors, including viral diseases. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize a recently detected disease of wheat crops in Argentina. Symptomatic plants were collected from different locations from the wheat production area, Miramar and Balcarce (Buenos Aires), Río Cuarto, Rosales and Marcos Juarez (Córdoba), Paraná (Entre Ríos) and General Pico (La Pampa). Samples were characterized by: electron microscopy (leaf-dip and ultrathin sections), serological tests (with antiserum reacting against different wheat viruses by DAS-ELISA and indirect ELISA), mechanical, seed and vector transmission assays, differential host range, and susceptibility of different wheat cultivars in natural infections. The results showed that this new disease is caused by Barley yellow striate mosaic virus (BYSMV) (Rhabdoviridae-Cytorhabdovirus), a widely distributed virus that can be transmitted to other crops such as barley, oat and triticale. This work represents the first report of BYSMV in Argentina.
Cytorhabdovirus; Delphacidae; Gramineae
