Detecções e diversidade genética de vírus quarentenário em mudas de Morango (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)

Abstract

The cultivation of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) holds significant global economic importance and has shown steady expansion in Brazil. However, production faces phytosanitary challenges due to the high incidence of viruses and phytoplasmas, which compromise fruit yield and quality. Many of these pathogens are difficult to detect, as asymptomatic infections are common, hindering diagnosis and the implementation of management strategies. The aim of this dissertation was the molecular detection of viruses, including strawberry mild yellow edge virus (SMYEV), strawberry crinkle virus (SCV), strawberry pallidosis-associated virus (SPaV), strawberry mottle virus (SMoV), strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRSV), and strawberry vein banding virus (SVBV), as well as phytoplasmas associated with commercial strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) seedlings in Brazil, both domestically produced (Pouso Alegre, MG) and imported (Spain), with an emphasis on the detection of strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRSV), a quarantine virus not previously reported in the country. A total of 166 commercial seedling samples from different production regions were analyzed. Pathogen detection was performed through RNA extraction followed by RT-PCR, and DNA extraction for phytoplasma detection. The results revealed the presence of different virus species, including SMYEV, SMoV, SLRSV, and SVBV. Regarding the geographical distribution of occurrences, 136 positive samples were identified in seedlings of domestic origin, commercialized in southern Minas Gerais, and 74 in those of international origin, imported from Spain and sold in Brazil, where the analyzed material had been marketed after being acquired from Spain. This was the first detection of SLRSV in Brazil and underscores the need for strict monitoring within the production chain.The information obtained provides a technical and scientific foundation to improve diagnostic strategies, integrated management, and disease control, highlighting the relevance of molecular tools for phytosanitary surveillance and the sustainability of strawberry production.