Molecular characterization of Raspberry bushy dwarf virus isolates from Poland

Abstract: In 2012 and 2013 leaf samples from 110 symptomatic and asymptomatic Rubus sp. plants were collected and analysed by DAS-ELISA to asses the presence of Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) in Poland. The presence of RBDV was confirmed only in eight samples of Rubus. Five isolates were characterized by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) as well as by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of RNA-2. The RFLP patterns of the RNA-2 amplicons resulted in significant variability of the RBDV isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Polish isolates of RBDV grouped together and formed well supported group with raspberry strains. ELISA and RT-PCR were useful methods for detection of the virus from May to October. The isolates induced different symptoms on Chenopodium quinoa and C. amaranticolor, mechanically inoculated with sap of RBDV-infected Rubus sp. plants.