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In this study, the full-length components of mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) DNA-A (MW590720 & MW600934) and DNA-B (MW659819 & MW659820) from a soybean isolate were cloned and sequenced. Nucleotide sequence analysis of both MYMIV components revealed > 96% identity and close ancestry with MYMIV isolates from legumes in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, dimeric infectious clones of MYMIV were generated in the pCAMBIA1302 vector, and a seed infiltration protocol was established for mungbean, soybean, and Nicotiana tabacum. Agroinfiltration induced yellow mosaic symptoms in mungbean and N. tabacum plants 3 weeks post-infiltration, which were further confirmed by PCR using MYMIV-specific DNA primers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower is a protandrous type, having a problem in which male and female elements mature at different times. Hence, cross pollination is the only way for seed setting in sunflower. For effective cross pollination, various techniques were developed. Based on this, field study was conducted during June 2022-August 2022 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu to enhance the yield and yield attributes of hybrid sunflower (Kaveri Champ) through honeybee as an agent for cross pollination. The study comprised six treatments with four replications. The treatments were: T1 –Natural pollination, T2 –Hand pollination, T3 –Head to head pollination, T4 –Beehive alone, T5 –Beehive + Hand pollination and T6 – Beehive + Head to head pollination. The study revealed that the (T5 ) Beehive + hand pollination showed the highest value in terms of seed yield (3669 kg/ha), number of filled seeds per head (1418), 100-seed weight (4.72 g) and seed set percentage (98.55) followed by (T4 ) Beehive alone. Natural pollination (T1 ) showed the lowest seed yield (2088 kg/ha), number of filled seeds per head (832), 100-seed weight – (4.12 g) and seed set percentage – (71.91) in all the yield parameters. Pollination with honeybees and by hand increased seed yield per head, compared to natural pollination. Results indicated that the use of honeybees for sunflower hybrid improved the yield and yield attributes of sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During our previous study, the mixed infection of canna yellow mottle virus (CaYMV), bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV), and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was identified in a Black Knight cultivar of canna exhibiting severe yellow streak and mottling symptoms. Before the development of the virus-free plants, the ability of callogenesis and organogenesis from the ovary, stalk, and rhizome explants was tested on different concentrations and combinations of TDZ, NAA, BAP, and Ads growth regulators. The performance of rhizome explants was above all the explant types and 33.33 ± 1.67 rhizomes (out of 50 placed) showed callus development on ME medium (MS supplemented with 0.8 mg/L TDZ and 0.25 mg/L NAA) and further on a refined M4 medium (MS supplemented with 4.0 mg/L BAP, 1.0 mg/L NAA and 50 mg/L Ads) produced 4.06 ± 0.16 shoots per explant. The development of virus-free plants was attempted by in vitro chemotherapy using ribavirin. Not only in callogenesis and shoot development but also in the ribavirin treatments, rhizomes developed about 3.78 ± 0.68 shoots per explant on 40 mg/L ribavirin in the ME medium. These optimizations suggested that ME medium for callogenesis, M4 medium for shoot development and the treatment of 40 mg/L ribavirin for 30 days at M4 medium was effective. The elimination of coinfection of all three viruses from rhizome explants of 0.5 cm2 of the Black Knight cultivar was attempted. Consequently, a total of 53.33% of plants free from all three viruses (48 out of the 90 plants developed) were obtained when screened by RT-PCR and PCR for their absence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) has its immense importance to the floriculture industry worldwide. The gerbera flower production has been hampered by various viruses, among them cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has shown considerable damage. As natural resistance to CMV is absent in gerbera, here, we have made an attempt to develop transgenic gerbera plants expressing coat protein (CP) gene of CMV via Agrobacterium mediated transformation of base petiole explants for genetic resistance to CMV infection. Among the 44 putative transgenic gerbera plant acclimatized, 39 were found positive for integration of CP gene by polymerase chain reaction and southern hybridization assay using their specific primer and probe respectively. Northern hybridization assay using CP gene specific probe confirmed the transcription of transgene in all 39 transgenic plants. These plants showed translation of CP during DAS-ELISA when tested with antiserum specific to CP of CMV. These 39 plants when challenged by mechanical inoculations with CMV gerbera isolate showed virus resistance in 53% (21 out of 39) plants, virus tolerance (delayed mild symptom) in 33% (13/39) plants, while rest 12.8% (5/39) plants showed severe disease symptoms. The CP mediated resistance of CMV in transgenic gerbera is being reported for the first time from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) is a popular ornamental plant cultivated all over the world. It is grown in beds, pots and used as cut-flower in making bouquets and for decoration in ceremonial functions. Gerbera has been commercially cultivated by a large number of growers in India as a primary source of income, therefore, has high socioeconomic impact in floriculture industry. The gerbera cultivation areas in India are increasing day by day due to its uses and the market demands. Its cultivation has been hampered by a variety of diseases that affect its flower quality and quantity. Of them, the viral and phytoplasma diseases cause considerable losses in gerbera cultivation. In this review, we have described about the disease symptoms, detection methods and identification of causal virus and phytoplasma pathogens affecting gerbera production worldwide and their disease management strategies opted by the researchers for production of pathogen-free plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu thin films were deposited on Si(111), glass, and quartz substrates by magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction, SEM, and photoemission electron microscope studies were carried out to characterize the films. An influence of the nature of substrate on the Cu2O and CuO phases formed was observed. Copper silicide formation in case of silicon substrates aided in formation of Cu2O rather than CuO unlike glass and quartz substrates. Formation of nanocrystallites was observed by SEM and X-ray diffraction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begomoviruses cause a number of serious diseases of cultivated crops and are considered as the major constraint for the cultivation of several crops all over the world. During a survey in the years 2007 and 2008, the typical symptoms of Begomovirus (yellow mosaic and yellow vein) were observed on six cucurbitaceous crops, viz. bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) and ridged gourd (Luffa acutangula) being cultivated in northern India. Begomovirus infection was suspected due to significant infestation of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci, the known vector of Begomoviruses) on these species. The presence of Begomovirus was detected from the total DNA extracted from six infected leaf samples of these species by polymerase chain reaction using the specific primers of a well-characterised Begomovirus. The ∼800 bp amplicons of these isolates were cloned, sequenced and the data obtained were compared with each other and with sequence database available in GenBank for best sequence identities and phylogenetic relationships. Based on highest 97–99% sequence identities and closest phylogenetic relationships, four representative Begomovirus species were identified as Ageratum enation virus (from T. dioica), Squash leaf curl China virus (from C. maxima), Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (from M. charantia, L. cylindrica and L. acutangula) and Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (from C. pepo). These results suggested the existence of a high genetic diversity among Begomoviruses infecting cucurbitaceous crops. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The larval development of Marphysa gravelyi (Polychaeta: Eunicidae) from Pulicat Lake, South India, was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The adults of M. gravelyi have an elongated, reddish-brown body and live inside burrows in the muddy bottom of the lake. They produce benthic jelly masses in which the embryos occupy the core and are protected until the completion of larval development. Four different larval stages were observed: prototrochophore, early metatrochophore, late metatrochophore and nectochaeta. These lecithotrophic larvae are found to be swimming inside the jelly mass. The larval development is completed in 8–10 days. Synchrony was observed in the development of larvae inside the jelly mass. Larval settlement begins after the nectochaeta stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

severe yellow vein mosaic disease was noticed on several Jatropha gossypifolia plants growing nearby agriculture fields at Lucknow, India. Diseased plants exhibited yellow vein mosaic, leaf deformation, vein swelling and stunting. A population of whiteflies ( Bemisia tabaci) was also noticed in the vicinities; therefore, begomovirus infection was suspected. To confirm begomovirus association, total DNA was isolated from symptomatic leaf samples and subjected to PCR using DNA-A, DNA-B and DNA- β-specific primers. DNA-A and DNA- β was successfully amplified but several attempts failed to amplify DNA-B indicating monopartite nature of the begomovirus. The sequence analysis of amplicons revealed the presence of 2757 nucleotides of DNA-A genome (EU727086) and 1315 nt of DNA- β molecule (EU604296). The sequence analysis of DNA-A (EU727086) revealed the highest 96% identities and closest relationship with Croton yellow vein mosaic virus (CYVMV, AJ507777) infecting Croton bonplandianum in India. The DNA- β (EU604296) showed the highest 96% sequence identity and closest phylogenetic relationship with CYVMV-associated DNA- β (AM410551) isolated from Croton sp. in Pakistan. Based on the highest sequence identities and closest phylogenetic relationships of the DNA-A genome and DNA- β molecule with respective sequences of various isolates of Croton yellow vein mosaic virus, the begomovirus associated with yellow vein mosaic disease of J. gossypifolia was identified as an isolate of Croton yellow vein mosaic virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato aspermy virus (TAV) was detected in gladiolus by reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction. The amplicons of ~650 bp obtained from two gladiolus samples were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of 657 nucleotide-containing single open reading frames of the coat protein gene of TAV coding for 218 amino acids. Genomatix analysis of the sequence data revealed 98-99% identities and close phylogenetic relationships with several strains of TAV. The virus isolates therefore were identified as two isolates of TAV. This is the first molecular detection and identification of TAV naturally occurring on gladiolus in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2007-2009, severe virescence, malformation and twisting of flower spikes and yellowing of entire plants were observed in various Gladiolus cultivars growing in the gardens of the National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India. The disease symptoms were very similar to symptoms in Gladiolus caused by the Aster yellows phytoplasma identified from Poland. Disease incidence was low (1.1-3.4%), but the severity of symptoms was high. A phytoplasma infection was detected in nine of 13 cultivars by PCR followed by nested PCR using universal phytoplasma primers P1/P6 or R16F2n/R16R2, respectively. An amplicon of ~1.2 kb obtained from the nested PCR was cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis of the PCR amplicon revealed high (94-98%) identities and the closest phylogenic relationships with several isolates of Aster yellows phytoplasma of ' Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' (16SrI group). Thus, the phytoplasma isolate of Gladiolus was identified as a new isolate of ' Ca. P. asteris' (16SrI group). In silico analysis of the phytoplasma isolate clearly indicated that the isolate was distinct from other Indian isolates of this phytoplasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alterations in the anatomical structures, sap translocation and metabolic profiles in Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae), infected with Jatropha mosaic virus (JMV) have been investigated using MRI and HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy. The contrast of MRI images distinguishes abnormalities in anatomical structures of infected and healthy stem. The HR-MAS NMR spectroscopic analysis indicated that viral infection significantly affected the plant metabolism. Higher accumulation of TCA cycle intermediates, such as citrate and malate, in JMV-infected plants suggested a higher rate of respiration. The respiration rate was more than twofold as compared to healthy ones. The viral stress also significantly increases the concentrations of alanine, arginine, glutamine, valine, GABA and choline as compared to healthy ones. Microscopic examination revealed severe hyperplasia caused by JMV with a considerable reduction in the size of stem cells. Lower concentration of glucose and sucrose in viral-infected stem tissues indicates decreased translocation of photosynthates from leaves to stem due to hyperplasia caused by JMV. The MR images distinguished stele, cortical and pith regions of JMV-infected and healthy stems. Contrast of T1- and T2-weighted images showed significant differences in the spatial distribution of water, lipids and macromolecules in virus-infected and healthy stem tissues. The results demonstrated the value of MRI and HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy in studying viral infection and metabolic shift in plants. The present methodology may help in better understanding the metabolic alterations during biotic stress in other plant species of agricultural and commercial importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coat protein (CP)-mediated resistance against an Indian isolate of the Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) subgroup IB was demonstrated in transgenic lines of Nicotiana benthamiana through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Out of the fourteen independently transformed lines developed, two lines were tested for resistance against CMV by challenge inoculations. The transgenic lines exhibiting complete resistance remained symptomless throughout life and showed reduced or no virus accumulation in their systemic leaves after virus challenge. These lines also showed virus resistance against two closely related strains of CMV. This is the first report of CP-mediated transgenic resistance against a CMV subgroup IB member isolated from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Begomovirus causing yellow vein mosaic disease of pumpkin ( Cucurbita maxima L.) was characterized at molecular level by cloning and sequence analysis of its complete DNA-A genome. The DNA-A of the isolate contains 2758 nucleotides which encode six open reading frames (ORFs): AV1 and AV2 in the virion-sense and AC1, AC2, AC3 and AC4 in the complementary-sense. Based on the highest (96%) sequence identities and close phylogenetic relationships with Squash leaf curl China virus species, the Begomovirus was identified as strain of Squash leaf curl China virus. The presence of DNA-B genome of the virus strain was also detected by dot blot hybridization test using DNA-B specific probe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A whitefly transmitted begomovirus was detected by PCR using begomovirus-specific primers from naturally infected Calendula officinalis plants showing yellow vein disease symptoms. An approximately 800 bp PCR amplicon was cloned and sequenced to identify the species of the virus isolate. Analysis of nucleotide sequence data resulted in its identification as the complete coat protein gene open reading frame (CP ORF) of 771 bp, which encoded 256 amino acid residues. The coat protein of the virus isolate shared maximum identities of 96–97% with four strains of Tobacco curly shoot virus (ToCSV) and an Ageratum enation virus (AgEV) during BLAST analysis of sequence data. Nucleotide- and amino acid-based phylogenetic analysis revealed the close relationship of the isolate with ToCSV strains, therefore it has been identified as an isolate of ToCSV and C. officinalis is considered to be a new host of ToCSV begomovirus. Association of a DNA-β molecule with the virus isolate was also detected by PCR and Southern hybridization tests using DNA-β specific primers and probe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural occurrence of yellow mosaic disease was observed on bitter gourd ( Momordica charantia ). Association of geminivirus with the disease was investigated through polymerase chain reaction using geminivirus-specific primers and Southern hybridization with a probe prepared from the cloned DNA of a known geminivirus. The fruits, leaves and stem of infected and healthy plants were studied for phytochemical composition. The amounts of protein were 49%, 50% and 66% higher, total carotenoids were 36%, 33% and 40% lower, vitamin C were 23%, 48% and 50% lower, total phenols were 28%, 31% and 43% lower, and antioxidant activity were 36%, 48% and 43% lower in the severely virus infected fruits, leaves and stem, respectively, as compared with healthy plants. The loss in the quantity of these phytochemicals was also observed even in mild infected plants, which further increased with the severity of the symptoms. Similarly, ethanol and 50% ethanol soluble extractive were also 25–43% lower in the fruits, leaves and stem of infected plants as compared with the healthy plants. A 45% and 54% lower caffeic acid, and 78% and 59% lower amounts of ferulic acid in the fruits and stem, respectively, and a 25% loss of gallic acid were noticed in the leaves of the severely infected plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty-five erwinia strains from 14 different hosts have been tested for growth on a crystal violet pectate medium with or without 70 μg/ml erythromycin at 27, 33.5 and 37°C. On the basis of positive data in the literature it was tried to identify the strains as Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica, E. carotovora subsp. carotovora or E. chrysanthemi using this method. It appeared that relatively few strains reacted differentially, apparently due to strain variation (all strains were identified also by biochemical and physiological tests). The conclusion is that for a reliable identification of field isolates of soft rot erwinias other (biochemical, physiological and serological) methods have to be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf crinkle symptoms, stem necrosis and stunting were observed in Solanum cupsicastrum plants in India. A virus was isolated from these plants and identified as a strain of eggplant mottled crinkle virus based on host reactions, in vitro properties, icosahedral particle morphology, buoyant density (1.39 g cm³), molecular weight (41 ± 0.5 kDa) of coat protein subunits, and serological relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An association of a begomovirus with leaf curl symptoms on Cleome gynandra was detected using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with begomovirus-specific primers. Further, the complete DNA-A of the begomovirus was cloned and sequenced. BLAST analysis of the sequence data revealed 92–99% identities and close relationships with several isolates of Ageratum enation virus (AgEV); therefore, we identified the virus associated with leaf curl symptoms of C. gynandra as an isolate of AgEV. This report is the first on the detection of AgEV in plants of C. gynandra with leaf curl in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potyvirus species associated with yellow leaf stripe disease of Indian narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.) var. Paperwhite has been studied by sequence analyses of ~ 1.5 kb genomic fragments obtained from seven RT-PCR amplifications of infected samples. Sequence analysis revealed the occurrence of three potyvirus species: cyrtanthus elatus virus-A (CEVA: KF430815, KF430816, KM066973, KM066974); narcissus yellow stripe virus (NYSV: KM066972, JQ686724) and narcissus degeneration virus (NDV: MK572806). The existence of three potyvirus species: CEVA, NYSV and NDV are being reported in Indian narcissus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumber mosaic virus (serologically closely related to strains CM V-C and CM V-D) is reported for the first time as a natural infection of Dianthus barbatus causing leaf crinkle and stunting of plants. It was mechanically transmitted to healthy D. barbatus and Vaccaria pyramidata (Caryophyllaceae) and to other herbaceous test plants, and was also aphid-transmissible from D. barbatus to D. barbatus. A convenient host for multiplication and purification of the virus was Nicotiana rustica. The presence of CMV was confirmed in D. barbatus and also in V. pyramidata by Western immunoblotting. but the concentration was too low in both the hosts to detect the virus by agar double diffusion tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) is a prevalent virus and major threat to gladiolus cultivation the world over. In the gladiolus repository at CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, several plants (82–88%) of three economically important cultivars were found infected by BYMV showing severe mosaic and stripe symptoms. Affected plants exhibit diminished quality and quantity of florets and corms, thus reducing their value. Attempts were made to eliminate BYMV from the infected gladiolus cormel explants in vitro through thermotherapy (37 °C for 30 days), chemotherapy (30 mg/L ribavirin for 30 days), and electrotherapy (30 mA for 20 min), either alone and in different combinations. The in vitro regenerated plants were free from BYMV infection when checked by RT-PCR using BYMV-specific primers. The combination of electro- and chemotherapies has given the best response as compared to other treatments. Among the individual therapies, electrotherapy (30 mA/20 min) was found to be the best for and production of BYMV-free gladiolus plants (44–46%) with moderate regeneration efficiency (54–58%) followed by chemotherapy and thermotherapy. However, the cormels obtained from a combination of electro- and chemotherapy treatment (30 mA/20 min + 30 mg/L) has given highest virus free (46–52%) and highest therapy efficiency indices (56%) as compared to other treatments. Further, these cormels showed better developed root systems and produced more cormels which were larger in size as compared to the other treatments and control when grown in tissue culture media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narcissus tazetta L. is a bulbous ornamental plant popular for its notable fragrant flowers which make it the plant of high importance. In spite of its economic value, narcissus is found to be susceptible for a number of diseases borne by fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses. A potyvirus, Cyrtanthus elatus virus-A isolate NBRI16 (CEVA-NBRI16), associated with leaf chlorotic stripe disease of N. tazetta cv. Paperwhite was reported for first time in India from our laboratory based on the partial coat protein gene sequence. In present study, the full-length genomic sequence of CEVA-NBRI16 is determined which consists of 9942 nucleotides, excluding the polyA tail, and encodes a single large polyprotein of 3102 amino acids with the genomic features typical of a potyvirus. It shares highest 93% nucleotide sequence identity and closest phylogenetic relationship with sequences of CEVA-Marijiniup7-1 and CEVA-Marijiniup7-2, both reported from Australia on Cyrtanthus elatus host. The full-length genomic sequence of CEVA from narcissus plant is being reported for the first time from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "First Report of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma Asteris' (16Sr I group) Associated with Yellows and Little Leaf Diseases of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis in India," by Y. Chaturvedi and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "First report of Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris (16SrI group) associated with colour-breaking and malformation of floral spikes of gladiolus in India," by S. K. Raj and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "First finding of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma Trifolii' (16SrVI Group) Associated With Little Leaf Disease of Datura Inoxia in India," by S. K. Raj, S. K. Snehi, S. Kumar, and M. S. Khan is presented.

An abstract of the article "First Report of Association of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma Asteris (16SrI Group) With Little Leaf Disease of Rose (Rosa Alba) in India," by Y. Chaturvedi, M. Singh, G. P. Rao, S. K. Snehi, and S. K. Raj is presented.

An abstract of the article "Association of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' (16Srl group) with yellows of Achyranthes aspera in India," by S. K. Raj, S. K. Snehi, S. Kumar, D. Pratap, and M. S. Khan is presented.

The article presents abstracts on plant pathology featuring reports on "Natural occurrence of Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi isolates in two species of jujube trees ( Ziziphus spp.) in India," and another about "Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris (group 16Srl) associated with a witches-broom disease of Cannabis sativa in India."

The article presents abstracts on plant pathology featuring reports on the "Natural occurrence of Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi isolates in two species of jujube trees (Zizizphus spp.) in India," and another about "Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris (group 16Srl) associated with a witches-broom disease of Cannabis sativa in India."

The article discusses the association of molecular identification of Candidatus Phytoplasma cynodontis with bermuda grass white leaf disease in India. Bermuda grass white leaf (BGWL) was noticed on bermuda grass during the spring 2007 at several locations in Gorakhpur, UP, India. It says that the diseased plants showed typical white leaf symptoms, proliferation of axillary shoots, and bushy growing habit. Samples from plants with symptoms were collected and total DNA was extracted from approximately 100 mg of leaf tissue employing a phytoplasma enrichment procedure. Several studies were done to understand the nature of the plant disease.

The article examines the associations between the Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris and little leaf disease of desert rose ornamental plant in India. Phyllody and excessive development of internodes resulting in little leaves were among the symptoms identified. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with P1/P6 universal primers specific to the 16S rRNA gene wherein nested PCR was carried out with primers that uses first round PCR product as template. Information about other examinations and results is further presented.

An abstract of the article "First report of Tomato leaf curl Karnatka virus infecting soybean in India" is presented. In a September 2005 survey, a leaf crumple disease of soybean was observed in Lucknow with a disease incidence of more than 80 percent. Infected plants exhibited severe yellowing, crumpling and distortion of leaves and remained dwarf with fewer flowers which resulted in a very low yield. The pathogen was suspected to be a begomovirus.

An abstract of the article "First report of molecular detection of an Aster yellows phytoplasma (‘ Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’) isolate infecting chilli (Capsicum annuum) in India" is presented. A severe phytoplasma-like disease of chilli was noticed in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh with a low incidence in 2004. The symptom of the disease consisted of shortening of leaves, petioles and internodes and crowding of leaves and stunting of whole plant.

An abstract of the article "‘ Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ isolate associated with a little leaf disease of pigeon pea in India" is presented. It is said that pigeon pea is a protein-rich pulse crop, cultivated for its nutritive value. Pigeon pea plants growing in an experimental field were detected to have typical phytoplasma symptoms that included little leaves, shortening of internodes and petioles giving a bunchy appearance and whole plant stunting .

The article discusses the first report of Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) infecting chili, or Capsicum annuum, in India. Chili is severely affected by leaf curl disease in most of the cultivating areas of the country. Symptoms include leaf curling, shortening of internodes and petioles, crowding of leaves and stunting of whole plant. A Blast search analysis of the nucleotide sequence revealed 89%-93% identity of various ToLCNDV isolates. The virus infecting chili has been tentatively diagnosed as an isolate of ToLCNDV.

This article cites a study regarding the natural occurrence of a begomovirus on pigeonpea in India. This is the first report of the occurrence of a begomovirus on pigeonpea from the country. The association of a geminivirus with the disease was suspected due to the presence of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci on the plants. To confirm the association of begomovirus with the disease, polymerase chain reaction was performed using total DNA isolated from infected plants and two pairs of broad-spectrum begomovirus-detecting primers.

This article is the first record of the natural infection of Calendula by a begomovirus. Calendula officinalis (family Asteraceae) is grown as an annual ornamental plant in India. Total DNA was extracted from leaves of plants with and without symptoms, and polymerase chain reaction (PRC) was performed using a pair of primers designed to the coat protein region of a well characterized begomovirus. The virus isolate under study was identified as a begomovirus on the basis of whitefly transmission; amplification of a DNA band of the expected size with begomovirus-detecting primers by PCR.