Differentiation of isolates of Sugarcane mosaic potyvirus (SCMV) on the basis of molecular, serological and biological investigations

Selected isolates of Sugarcane mosaic potyvirus (SCMV) from Germany as well as from different European countries were compared with defined strains re garding their molecular, serological and biological characteristics; Accord ing to coat protein sequence data, German isolates form a separate group wi thin the SCMV. German isolates appear to be very homogenous both in sequenc e and size of the coat protein, specific sequence pattern as well as serolo gical and biological characteristics. Serological investigations using poly clonal antisera were only of limited value for differentiation studies but different responses of German SCMV isolates and American strains could be o btained. So far, differential host plants were found only in comparison wit h American strains but not for a differentiation between European isolates. We propose to define German isolates as a new strain of SCMV (SCMV-GER). W e assume that changes are due to specific host range and other properties i nfluencing the epidemiology.