Characteristics of a potyvirus associated with a mosaic-like disease of yellow oat-grass

The properties of a new filamentous virus found on yellow oat-grass (suggested name Trisetum flavescens mosaic virus – TFMV) were compared with those of the two potyviruses Oat mosaic virus (OMV) and Oat necrotic mottle virus (ONMV). The latter viruses were chosen because their host range, virus particles and some other characteristics are similar to TFMV. Mechanical transmission of TFMV to some OMV and ONMV host plants, drop precipitation, indirect-ELISA, DAS-ELISA, SSEM and RT-PCR were used in the study. However, there was no proof that TFMV is identical with OMV or ONMV. Avena abyssinica and Bromus mollis were found to be new experimental hosts of TFMV.