First Report of Tobacco streak virus Infecting Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) in India.

ABSTRACT

The natural occurrence of Tobacco streak virus (TSV) in Hibiscus cannabinus was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using an antiserum raised against TSV and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific for the coat protein gene of the virus. Sequence analysis of the PCR products showed 99.6 and 99.5% of maximum identity at nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively with TSV onion isolate from Kurnool (HM131490).This is the first report of the natural occurrence of TSV on kenaf in India.