TITLE:
Molecular Identification and Characterization of a Begomovirus Associated with Okra Enation Leaf Curl Disease in Mali
AUTHORS:
Gaoussou K. Keita, Laya Kansaye, Lassina Doumbia, Ibrahim Keita, Mariam Sangare, Tidiani Sinayoko, Boubacar Macalou, Moussa Noussourou Maiga, Nadou Paul Sanogo, Ousmane Koita
KEYWORDS:
Okra, PCR, Begomovirus, BYVMV, OELCuV, Mali
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology,
Vol.14 No.10,
October
26,
2023
ABSTRACT: Okra is one of the most widespread vegetable crops in the world,
particularly in West Africa. However, several factors influence okra crops as
biotic and abiotic factors. Among the diseases affecting its culture, okra leaf
curl disease is a major threat. This study aims to assess begomoviruses from
okra plants with symptoms like leaves curl by molecular approach. A total of
thirteen serologically positive samples were tested by PCR assay, and one
sample was sequenced among them. The begomovirus was found in six isolates, Bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus (BYVMV)
in three isolates, and Okra enation leaf
curl virus (OELCuV) in three isolates, respectively. The begomovirus
isolate sequences shared 90% identity with the Cotton leaf curl Gezira virus. Mixed infections between these
viruses were found. Thus, these results highlight the need to monitor the
spread of these disease-causing viruses for okra crops in Mali. In addition,
they can also lead to a considerable loss in okra fields in Koulikoro, which is
an agricultural region by excellence.