Turnip mosaic virus infecting kale plants in Ordu, Turkey

Abstract

Brassica oleracea var. acephala L. (kale) is widely grown in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. Kale growing has not been common in the other regions of Turkey. A number of diseases can seriously affect Brassica crop production. Field surveys were done to determine the occurrence of viruses in kale-growing areas in Ordu in 2013-2014. Leaf samples were collected from kale plants and tested for the presence of Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), Turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV), and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) by DAS-ELISA and bioassays. Result of serological and biological tests showed that 7.7% of these samples were infected with TuMV. However, CaMV, CMV, and TYMV were not detected in any of the tested kale plants. The occurrence of TuMV suggested that the virus might be an important threat for the kale crops in the province. This is the first report of occurrence of the virus on kale in Ordu, Turkey.