Expanding geographical and genetic footprint of tobacco streak virus in Northern India: first documentation from cotton in Haryana
摘要
A systematic survey across cotton-growing districts of Haryana revealed the occurrence of tobacco streak virus (TSV) in cotton, marking the first documentation of the virus in Northern India. Infected plants predominantly exhibited chlorosis and necrosis of leaves, with necrotic spots varying in size (small to large), color (purplish to purplish-brown), and shape (irregular or ring-like), distributed across the interlobular regions, leaf apex, or the entire lamina. Virus presence was initially detected through serological assay and subsequently confirmed as TSV by sequencing of the coat protein gene in RNA-3 segment. This finding underscores the northward emergence of TSV beyond Southern India, warranting vigilant monitoring and management to mitigate its spread in major cotton-growing regions.