Viruses Infecting Chickpea And Lentil Crops In Azerbaijan

A survey was conducted to identify viruses affecting chickpea and lentil crops in the major production areas of Azerbaijan during June 2007 and May 2008. The survey covered randomly selected 16 farmers' fields (13 chickpea and three lentil) and one lentil field in research station during 2007, and 14 fields (nine chickpea and five lentil fields) during 2008. Infection incidences were determined for 11 legume viruses by tissue blot immunoassays (TBIA) on 50-200 randomly samples collected from each field. The TBIA and confirmatory nucleic acid analyses indicated that Luteoviridae species [Beet western yellows virus (BWYV), Bean leafroll virus (BLRV) and Chickpea chlorotic stunt virus (CpCSV)] were collectively the most common viruses in chickpea and lentil fields followed by Faba bean necrotic yellows virus (FBNYV). Pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) was not detected in chickpea but reached high incidences in lentil fields. This is the first survey of legume viruses in Azerbaijan and first record of FBNYV, BWYV, BLRV and CpCSV naturally infecting chickpea and lentil crops, and PSbMV infecting lentil crop in Azerbaijan.