Characterization of an aberrant population of Brevipalpus californicus and its role as a vector of citrus leprosis viruses

A morphometric and molecular characterization of Brevipalpus sp. close to the group cryptic species within californicus s.l. bearing only one solenidion on tarsus II was conducted, its capacity acquire inoculate citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV-C) orchid fleck virus, strain-citrus (OFV-citrus), determined. For study, photomicrographs mites from two colonies kept in laboratory were taken: derived a single female aberrant that collected Tetipac, Guerrero State, Mexico provisionally designated as (Tetipac); another Texcoco, State [hereafter, B. (Texcoco)]. The observed characteristics compared with slide-mounted specimens lewisi McGregor Baker their respective type series. From each species, 37 characters evaluated using univariate multivariate analysis (principal components clusters). In characterization, (Tetipac) (Texcoco) used. Phylogenetic analyses conducted based segments COI 28S genes. Acquisition inoculation tests CiLV-C OFV-citrus carried out larvae, nymphs, adult females (Tetipac), indicator plants Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae), Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. (Brassicaceae), sweet orange [Citrus x sinensis Osbeck. ‘Valencia’; Rutaceae]. this last host, yothersi added controls. To detect these viruses, specific primers for them Univariate showed 17 morphological significantly different among mite species. are not separate entities; therefore, both determined similar results. acquisition tests, 90 replicates positive CiLV-C, whereas 84 OFV-citrus. symptoms did appear A. P. after being infested carrying Small nuclear-leprosis-like lesions C. infestation by viruliferous (Tetipac). However, RT-PCR confirm presence plants. contrast, control developed confirmed RT-PCR.