Alfalfa mosaic virus in Jordan

Abstract EN

A virus isolate (140/93) was isolated from two hundred leaf samples of diseased alfalfa in the Jordan Valley and Al-Hallabat areas during the survey of 1993-1994.

The isolate was identified as alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) based on host range, aphid transmission, physical properties and serology.

Hie virus isolate (140/93) infected many leguminous and non-Ieguminous species and was transmitted in a non-persistent manner by aphids.

Macrosiphum pisi showed the maximum efficiency of transmission followed by Aphis fabae, Transmission of AMV through alfalfa seeds was possible, where the virus was detected ia 2-4% of seed samples tested.

The virus was detected in broadbean, chilli pepper, and tomato fields neighboring alfalfa fields.

The weeds of Malva sylvestris and Sisymbrium irio were found to be AMV-infected.

This is the first report on the occurrence of alfalfa mosaic vims in Jordan