Interception of Wheat mosaic virus (WMoV) in Brazil in maize seeds from the United States

Interceptação do Wheat mosaic virus (WMoV) no Brasil em sementes de milho provenientes dos Estados Unidos

Abstract:

The objective of this work was to evaluate the phytosanitary aspect of two accessions of maize (Zea mays) seeds from the United States introduced to Brazil, regarding the presence of Wheat mosaic virus (WMoV). Two to three weeks after sowing, symptomatic leaves were tested by Elisa using specific antiserum to WMoV. The reaction was positive, and leaf samples were analyzed by real-time PCR and amplified PCR products were sequenced. The WMoV isolates had 99 to 100% nucleotide identity with isolates from Australia and the United States. Until now, there is no report of the presence of this virus in Brazil. According to the federal law on plant protection, the plants were burned to avoid the introduction of this exotic pest in the country. The obtained results show WMoV interception in Brazil.

Index terms:
Zea mays; exotic pest; High plains virus; plant quarantine; phytosanitary analysis.