First report of a potyvirus infecting Albuca rautanenii in the Namib Desert

Abstract

Chlorotic, streak-like symptoms were observed in April 2013 on a single specimen of Albuca rautanenii (Schinz) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt (Family: Hyacinthaceae) found among other plants near Homeb in the Namib Desert, Namibia. No potential insect vectors (e.g. aphids) were observed around and on the infected plant. An extract from symptomatic leaves was assessed by transmission electron microscopy (leaf dip method) to ascertain if the symptoms were viral in origin. Long, flexuous threadlike particles 687-825 nm in length and 12.5 nm in diameter were observed. The morphology and size of the particles were indicative of a putative member of the taxonomic family Potyviridae.