Molecular characterization of a new virus on pear in Italy
Since the 1990s, pear trees showing symptoms of reduced growth, reddish discoloration and premature leaf fall have been observed in Puglia, Southern Italy. In 1991, a virus was isolated and identified as a putative tombusvirus. In 2001, this virus was again isolated and molecular characterization was carried out. This virus was confirmed as a tombusvirus. It was closest to Grapevine Algerian latent tombusvirus, but was distinct from all known members of the genus. It was successfully transmitted to pear seedlings and rooted cuttings, which were still symptomless after 5 months, when the last observations were made. This virus was tentatively called Pear latent virus.
Sources
Russo, R., Vovlas, C., Rubino, L., Grieco, F., Martelli, G.P. (2002) Molecular characterization of a tombusvirus isolated from diseased pear trees in Southern Italy. Journal of plant pathology, 84(3), 161-166.