Molecular diagnosis of Papaya meleira virus (PMeV) from leaf samples of Carica papaya L. using conventional and real-time RT-PCR

► Two new molecular diagnosis methods for PMeV in papaya leaves were developed based on conventional and real-time RT-PCR. ► No vertical transmission of PMeV from seed to seedling was found. ► Inoculation of papaya with purified PMeV dsRNA delayed the progression of PMeV infection.