Serological and Molecular Identification Based on Coat Protein (CP) Gene of Cucumber mosaic Virus (CMV) Infecting Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) in Pothwar Region of Pakistan

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is one of the most important plant viruses and a major threat to a wide range of hosts. Prevalence of CMV in Pakistan is alarming for vegetable production especially cucurbits. The present study was done to estimate the prevalence, distribution as well as coat protein base identification of this notorious virus. During 2015-16 incidence of CMV was recorded in cucumber field in the Pothwar region of Pakistan (Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Islamabad). During survey 150 samples were collected and tested through DASELISA (Double Antibody Sandwiched Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Results show that CMV prevails throughout the region. Maximum disease incidence was recorded in Rawalpindi (50%) followed by Chakwal (46%), Attock (43%), Islamabad (40%) and Jhelum (36%). Virus infectivity was assayed by indicator plants (Capsicum annuum, Cucumis sativus cv, Chenopodium amaranticolor, C. quinoa, Nicotiana tabacum, and Datura stramonium) through mechanical inoculation. Upon mechanical inoculation, plants show Chlorotic lesion, Necrotic lesion, Mosaic, Stunting, Spots. Coat protein (CP) gene-specific forward (CMVF-45) and reverse (CMVR-45) primer amplified 500bp fragments through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).