Carlavirus in Senna macranthera


A Carlavirus has been found associated with Senna macranthera showing reduced development, foliar mosaic and necrotic spots, and pod necrosis. The virus could be mechanically transmitted from infected leaves and pods, but it is not seed borne, showing restricted host range. In negatively stained preparations, electron microscopic observations revealed flexuous, elongated particles with one of their ends rounded, measuring ca. 640 nm; in the thin sections, foliar mesophyll cells contained particles aggregates in cytoplasm. The “in vitro” properties and the presence of only one protein capsid with 30 KDa are correspondent those reported for Carlavirus. The data obtained so far suggest that this isolate is Cassia mild mosaic virus, a virus widespread in the urban ornamental areas planted with Cassiaspecies in Brazilian cities.