Molecular evidence for the presence of Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus in infected peach trees in India

During surveys of Himachal Pradesh (HP) and Punjab states in northern India, Apple chlorotic ring spot virus (ACLSV) was detected in infected peach trees using Double Antibody Sandwich-Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (DAS-ELISA). Identity of the virus was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) giving an amplification of ∼800 bp product using primer pair to amplify the complete coat protein (CP) gene. Multiple alignment of sequences of the CP from samples collected from Kullu and Solan in HP with sequences of other isolates of ACLSV originating from peach trees showed identity of 69–84% and 69–93% at the nucleotide and protein level, respectively. This variation is similar to that observed with other isolates of ACLSV. This is the first report of molecular characterization of ACLSV infecting peach trees in India.