First report of bean golden mosaic geminivirus in Florida (US)
During winter 1993, symptoms due to bean golden mosaic geminivirus (EU Annex I/A1; potential EPPO A1 quarantine pest) have been observed in South Florida (US), and developed into a serious disease throughout the spring. The disease has been found in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and lima bean (P. lunatus) in southwest Dade County and southeast Palm Beach County. During a survey carried out in 125 fields in Dade County, an average disease incidence of 26 % was observed. In bean fields where the disease was most severe, growers reported yields of 26-87 hL/ha compared to expected yields of 175 hL/ha. In some cases, fields were completely abandoned or destroyed. The disease has not been detected in other winter bean production areas in South Florida. Molecular studies confirmed the occurrence of bean golden mosaic geminivirus and similarities were found between a Florida isolate and isolates from the Caribbean (Guatemala and Dominican Republic). The authors felt that this virus could have been accidentally introduced into Florida from the Caribbean. This is the first report of bean golden mosaic geminivirus in the continental United States.
Sources
Blair, M.W.; Bassett, M.J.; Abouzid, A.M.; Hiebert, E.; Polston, J.E.; McMillan Jr, R.T.; Graves, W.; Lamberts, M. (1995) Occurrence of bean golden mosaic virus in Florida.
Plant Disease, 79 (5), 529-533.