Phyllocoptes parviflori is a distinct species and a vector of the pervasive blackberry leaf mottle associated virus

In this study, we assessed the eriophyid mite Phylocoptes parviflori as a vector of BLMaV and clarified its taxonomic status as it was previously synonymized with Phyllocoptes gracilis. P. parviflori can efficiently transmit BLMaV. The virus was found to cause yellow vein disease symptoms on 'Ouachita' blackberry marking a paradigm shift as disease symptoms have always been associated with multiple virus infections. Therefore, we propose renaming the virus to blackberry leaf mottle virus. The occurrence of P. parviflori on wild and cultivated blackberries, as well as its ability to colonize other Rubus species, enhances its importance as a major contributor to the spread of yellow vein disease.PMID:38072369 | DOI:10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105538
Source: Infection, Genetics and Evolution - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Source Type: research