First Report of Tobacco ringspot virus Infecting Ajuga reptans in Ohio

Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) is the type species of the Nepovirus genus of the Family Secoviridae. The virus has a bipartite, single-stranded positive sense RNA genome that is translated into two polyproteins. The RNA 1 polyprotein has six domains and includes the RNA dependent RNA polymerase at its 3' terminal. The RNA 2 polyprotein has three domains and includes the coat protein at its 3' terminal. TRSV has a broad host range and is transmitted by longidorid nematodes (3). In the fall of 2011, a bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty') sample exhibiting a very subtle virus-like mottle symptom on new growth (Fig. 1) was submitted to the Ohio Plant Diagnostic Network as part of a Farm Bill funded survey of perennial viruses. The sample tested positive for TRSV and negative for the Potyvirus group, Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), Arabis mosaic virus, Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Impatiens necrotic spot virus, Tobacco mosaic virus, Tobacco streak virus (TSV), Tomato mosaic virus, Tomato ring spot virus, and Tomato spotted wilt virus by ELISA using commercially produced antibodies (Agdia Inc., Elkhart, IN). The sample also tested negative for Tobacco rattle virus by RT-PCR. Previously AMV, CMV, and TSV have been reported in bugleweed in Ohio (1) but this is the first confirmed report of TRSV infecting A. reptans in the state.