CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW VIRUS FROM ESCAROLE

A new virus associated with mosaic, yellowing and necrotic symptoms in escarole has been isolated recently in southern Italy. The virus, for which the name escarole mosaic virus (EMV) is proposed, was transmiss ible by mechanical methods, by seeds and probably by pollen but not by Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae, Trialeurodes vap orariorum or Frankliniella occidentalis. The virions showed a single c oat protein of about 32 kDa and eight encapsidated RNA species. Viral preparations sedimented as four components in sucrose density gradient s. Electron microscopy indicated the presence of spherical particles w ith a diameter of 25 nm. Ultrastructural investigations on infected ti ssues revealed the formation of atypical inclusion bodies.