Peanut yellow spot virus is a distinct tospovirus species
As summarized in the EPPO RS 96/198, several distinct species of tospoviruses have been described and separated into 4 serogroups:
- serogroup I: tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV - EPPO A2 quarantine pest)
- serogroup II: tomato chlorotic spot tospovirus (TCSV)
groundnut ringspot tospovirus (GRSV)
- serogroup III: impatiens necrotic spot tospovirus (INSV)
- serogroup IV: watermelon silver mottle tospovirus (WSMV)
groundnut (peanut) bud necrosis tospovirus (GBNV)
melon spotted wilt tospovirus (MSWV)
So far, other viruses for which there was currently insufficient data to allow designation as distinct tospoviruses included for example peanut (groundnut) yellow spot virus. But recently, serological and molecular studies carried out in India have shown that peanut yellow spot virus is indeed a distinct tospovirus which should be included into a new serogroup (serogroup V). This virus causes yellow spot on the peanut leaves, which later coalesce and become necrotic. Its incidence in the field can reach up to 90 %, although yield losses have not been determined. Peanut yellow spot tospovirus is present in India but also in Thailand. A similar virus has been reported from Taiwan. Preliminary studies have shown that peanut yellow spot tospovirus may be transmitted by Scirtothrips dorsalis (EPPO A1 pest).
Sources
Satyanarayana, T.; Lakshminarayana Reddy, K; Ratna, A.S.; Deom, C.M.; Gowda, S.; Reddy, D.V.R. (1996) Peanut yellow spot virus: a distinct tospovirus species based on serology and nucleic acid hybridisation.
Annals of applied Biology, 129(2), 237-245.