Transmission of Physalis rugose mosaic virus via Pruning, Leaves Contact and Soil

Abstract Physalis peruviana (Solanaceae) is an exotic plant in Brazil that has been increasingly known for its fruits’ vitamins, nutrients, and high-added value. Like other solanaceous plants, physalis is also the target of some plant viruses; until now, five viruses have been reported to naturally infect P. peruviana in Brazil. Among them, the physalis rugose mosaic virus (PhyRMV) has attracted attention due to the severity of the symptoms, characterized by leaf mosaic, malformation, leaf abscission, and a significant reduction in plant development and yield. This work evaluated the efficiency of different forms of PhyRMV transmission. The virus was efficiently transmitted to healthy physalis plants through contact between the leaves, pruning, and contaminated soil. PhyRMV remained active and infectious in contaminated soil for up to ninety days.