First Report of Cucurbit Aphid-Borne Yellows Virus Infecting Groundnut in Kenya

Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV, genus Polerovirus, family Luteoviridae) causing cucurbit aphid-borne yellows disease (CABYD) in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), is characterized by interveinal yellowing symptoms in leaves. CABYV is transmitted by Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae and Macrosiphum euphorbiae. CABYV causes up to 80% yield loss but there is no information available on its occurrence, serological and molecular characteristics in groundnuts. Two disease diagnostic surveys were conducted during the short and long rain seasons of 2020 and 2021 in Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega and Siaya counties growing groundnut. Disease incidence and severity was scored and data collected analysed using R Software. Serological bioassays were done using TAS-ELISA and positive samples pooled then processed with the transposon-based chemistry library preparation kit (Nextera XT, Illumina). Phylogenetic analyses and comparisons were performed using the MEGA X software. The short rains season recorded higher incidence (73.61%) than the long rains season (42.65%). The CABYV isolates from Kenya clustered with other poleroviruses variedly. CABYV6-2 showed 94.5% nucleotide identity with CpPV2 isolate KX599164.1 from Burkina Faso and 83.4% identity with CABYV isolate MG257902.1 from Korea. This research provides evidence for the first report of CABYV infecting A. hypogaea relevant for development of better plant health management technologies for increased groundnut yield.