Partial characterization of reovirus‐like particles associated with garlic dwarf disease

Abstract

A dwarfing disease of garlic ( Allium sativum ) has recently been noted in southern France. Affected plants were stunted and had thickened leaves that sometimes developed vein swellings or enations and a darker green colour; leaves often had purple tips and an abnormal phyllotaxy. The root system was poor and the bulb spongy, containing few normal cloves. A previously undescribed virus, here named garlic dwarf virus (GDV), was associated with the syndrome and has been partially purified. The particle morphology, electrophoretic pattern of dsRNA segments and cytopathology were similar to those of Fijiviruses (Reoviridae). Limited serological and nucleic acid hybridization tests did not, however, reveal any relationship with members of the Reoviridae. Apart from one preliminary Australian report of a reo‐like virus in lilies from Japan, this is the first description of a reo‐like virus affecting a monocotyledonous host outside the Gramineae.