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Tospovirus serogroups I and III have recently been designated as species, tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), while the species status of serogroup II isolates remains undefined. Fifteen Tospovirus isolates from ornamental and vegetable crops in Liguria, Italy, were found to belong either to TSWV (seven isolates) or to INSV (eight isolates) on the basis of test-plant reactions, serological techniques using DAS ELISA kits raised against the nucleoproteins of the type members of the two species, and cytopathology. None of them could be assigned to serogroup II using DAS ELISA kits raised against nucleoproteins of this serogroup. Italian isolates representative of the two species reacted in indirect ELISA using a polyclonal antiserum against the entire particic of a TSWV isolate, but with higher intensity for our TSWV isolates than for the INSV isolates. Western blots and dot immunobinding assays confirmed that the nucleoproteins of the two species are unrelated whereas the glycoproteins are related. The cytopathology was similar (or two isolates representative of TSWV and INSV, except that the type of filaments encountered was different, and appeared to be characteristic of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Basil (Ocimum basilicum), a new host of Pepino mosaic virus," by S. Davino, G. P. Accotto, V. Masenga, L. Torta, and M. Davino is presented.

The article discusses the first report of a phytoplasma associated with abnormal proliferation of cladodes in cactus pear, Opuntia ficus-indica, in Italy. The cactus pears exhibited severe proliferation of cladodes with lack of flowers, fruits and spine production. Total DNA was extracted from both symptomatic and asymptomatic cactus pears. This was utilized as template for phytoplasma-specific 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction amplification. The RFLP patterns acquired from analysis of rDNA amplicons were identical with the pattern obtained for reference strain faba bean phyllody phytoplasma.

This article is the first report of the potentially damaging virus Blueberry scorch virus (BlScV) outside North America. Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) has been planted in various areas of northern Italy for the past 30 years, in an effort actively to maintain cropped hillside and mountainside areas with acidic soil. The crop has also gained some economic importance for the fresh fruit market. During the summer of 2004, a number of plants from a blueberry crop field in southern Piedmont (Costigliole Saluzzo, Cuneo Province) showed symptoms generally associated with blueberry scorch disease.

Discusses the infection of Euphorbia eritrea and Asclepias curassavica by the tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in Liguria, Italy. Detection of the disease by both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic lateral flow assay; Transmission of the virus mechanically to common herbaceous test plant species.

Examines the pepino mosaic virus in tomato in Italy. Presence of potexvirus-like particles in tomato fruits and leaves; Dissemination route of the virus; Use of antiserum in detecting the virus.

Examines the occurrence of eggplant mottled dwarf virus (EMDV) in cucumber and pepper in Bulgaria. Reduction of the leaf size; Presence of yellow spots in young leaves; Description of EMDV.