Characterization of Sweet Clover Necrotic Mosaic Virus

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Abstract
A previously undescribed virus was isolated from sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) plants showing systemic mosaic associated with ringspots and veinal necrosis. It was readily sap transmissible to 16 of 25 spp. tested including both leguminous and nonleguminous plants. Sap or purified preparations contained polyhedral particles 35 nm in diameter that sedimented at a velocity of 123 S as a single component. The virus particles contained a bipartite genome with RNA MW of 1.35 .times. 106 and 0.55 .times. 106 daltons, and a single species of coat protein with a MW of 38,000 daltons. Amorphous inclusions were observed in the cytoplasm of infected epidermal cells. The virus resembled red clover necrotic mosaic virus and clover primary leaf necrosis in particle morphology. However, it was clearly distinguished by host range, MW of RNA and protein, and serological properties. The name sweet clover necrotic mosaic virus is proposed.