Abstract

During 2006-2007 growing seasons, survey was carried to identify a disease of possible viral etiology causing mosaic of soybean in the soybean field. Leaf samples showing symptoms of mild mosaic were collected from soybean fields in Dezful region (Khozestan province, Southern Iran). Electron microscopy, DAS-ELISA serological tests and RT-PCR assays with specific pairs of primers were applied to identify and determine the viral etiology of the agent. Flexuous particles of ca. 15 x 650 nm were present in the leaf dip preparations examined by electron microscopy. On the basis of serology, RT-PCR assays and reaction of indicator host plants, the causal virus of these mild mosaic symptoms on soybean in the Southern Iran was identified as Cowpea mild mottle virus- CPMMV, a whitefly-transmitted carlavirus.

Key words: Cowpea mild mottle virus, serology, RT-PCR, detection, Southern Iran