Colombian scientists find viruses affecting cape gooseberries and passion fruits

Researchers at the National University of Colombia (Unal) discovered viruses affecting cape gooseberries and passion fruits in the southwest of Antioquia. They have identified a new species of virus that significantly impacts the production of these fruits, leading to changes in flavor, aroma, and color, as well as malformations and hardening.

In cape gooseberries, researchers detected the presence of seven types of viruses: PVY, PVS, PVX, TaLMV, Cgiv-1, PhyVNV, and Pmtv. Among them, a new species of virus closely related to the Trichovirus genus was discovered. This newly identified virus has been provisionally named Cape gooseberry associated trichovirus (CgaTV), according to Michelle Bacca David, a Master of Science and Biotechnology from Unal's Medellín headquarters.

Regarding passion fruits, RNA viruses were detected, including Pfymv, CMV, and PpLDV. Among these, PpLDV was found to be the most prevalent, present in 100% of the seedlings, 70% of the seeds, 80% of asymptomatic plants, and 60% of symptomatic plants. Additionally, a DNA virus called Gbva was detected in 100% of the seeds and symptomatic plants, as well as 90% of the seedlings and asymptomatic plants.

Viruses like these can stop the entire production of said crops, resulting in great economic losses. Despite being the most exported exotic fruits, cape gooseberries and passion fruits have many viruses that must be detected and treated early.

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