Amal Souiri
University Hassan II of Casablanca, Morocco
Title: Genetic characterization of Pepino mosaic virus infecting Moroccan tomatoes
Biography
Biography: Amal Souiri
Abstract
Over the past few years, Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) has become an emerging pathogen that causes significant losses in tomato crops worldwide. Genetic composition of PepMV population in Morocco has not been determined yet. In this study, twelve PepMV isolated from Moroccan areas of tomato production were identified by serological and molecular tools and were characterized by nucleotide sequences analysis of a part of RNA-dependant RNA polymerase gene, triple gene block and coat protein gene. In spite of genetic diversity of PepMV isolates due to high mutation and recombination rate of RNA, the phylogenetic analysis based on comparison with the known genotypes showed that the Moroccan population of PepMV shares a very high sequence identity with CH2 strains. As well, Moroccan isolates reveals a specific single nucleotide polymorphisms that lead to distinct variants and for a subset of isolates, a possible recombination with EU genotypes. This study will contribute in the improvement of control strategies of PepMV disease and in the implementation of phytosanitary requirements for the exported tomato crops.