Some properties of a peanut mottle virus (PeMotV) isolate from soybeans in South Africa

An isolate of peanut mottle potyvirus (PeMotV-88/63) from soyabeans in South Africa had a similar host range and symptomatology to those of isolates reported elsewhere. Non-persistent transmission by the aphid <i>Myzus persicae </i>was demonstrated, but no evidence of seed transmission through soyabean seed was found. Flexuous virus particles (680-860 nm) were isolated and purified from plants with yields of 3-6 mg/kg, but fragmented when stained with phosphotungstate. The molecular mass of the coat protein was 36.6 kDa. Typical potyvirus pinwheel-shaped inclusions, laminated inclusions and a few scrolls were found <i>in vivo. </i>It is concluded that the PeMotV-88/63 isolate is not a new strain since it was serologically identical to the North American PeMotV-N isolate and resembles mild isolates described elsewhere