Fig mosaic virus (FMV) had been noticed and reported since 1922 on fig trees causing leaf mosaic symptoms and yellowing. Till the last decade nothing was known about the nature of the virus or its genomes. This research study aimed to biological screening and molecular detection of Fig mosaic virus and report it for the first time in Palestine. Thirty one samples were collected from different areas and used to determine the incidence of the virus. RNAs were extracted from samples leaf petioles and purified by silica column chromatography. Using random hexamers, cDNA library was constructed to be as a template for specific primers of the virus. The PCR amplified portion of 218 bp specific to the virus, were visualized on the gel electrophoresis stained with Gel Red staining and visualized under UV documentary system. This research study revealed that Fig mosaic virus was found spread on most of fig trees that are growing in Palestine. The virus symptoms were noted on young leaves with strong mosaic and yellowing. About 61.3% of the tested samples were able to amplify the virus specific amplicon, indicating them as positive for the virus infection. This percentage was considered high, indicating that the FMV could be the most diffused virus on the crop. More studies are now recommended to study the existence of the other viruses that added to the list of fig viruses. Furthermore, genetic diversity of the virus is recommended to be studied.

Conference Title

Food Security Prospective and Challenges Conference

Conference Country

Palestine

Conference Date

Oct. 30, 2014 - Oct. 30, 2014

Conference Sponsor

FAO-ANU