Hu, J.S., Sether, D., Melzer, M.J, Busto, J.L., Perez, E., Kislan, M.M., Dawson, W., & Karasev, A.V. 2000 Is mealybug wilt of pineapple a viral problem?. Phytopathology 90(6) (Suppl.): S92.

Notes: Mealybug wilt of pineapple (MWP) is one of the most serious diseases in pineapple (Ananas sp.). We have produced specific monoclonal antibodies against two distinct pineapple mealybug wilt associated viruses (PMWaV). A RT-PCR assay was developed to detect and distinguish these two viruses. The genome of PMWaV 2 has been cloned and its sequence determined. The genome is typical of the monopartite closteroviruses. Sequence analysis shows that PMWaV 2 shares the highest nucleic acid homology with GLRaV-3. PMWaV 1 has also been cloned and six kilobases of its 5'-end region sequenced. The two PMWaVs are distinct from each other and share less than 50% nucleic acid homology based on available sequences. PMWaV 1 has highest sequence homology with GLRaV 1. Both PMWaVs can be acquired and transmitted by mealybugs (Dysmicoccus spp.). We have shown in transmission experiments that the presence of both PMWaV and mealybug exposure is necessary for the induction of MWP. The presence of the PMWaV in the absence of mealybug feeding does not induce MWP symptoms.