Lavandula angustifolia Mill. as a natural host of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV)

A virus was isolated from Lavandula angustifolia Mill. plants exhibiting yellow mottling and distortion of leaves. After mechanical inoculation it induced in the major part of used test plants symptoms characteristic for Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Its standard properties regarding the stability in crude plant sap were as follows: longevity in vitro 1-2 days, thermal inactivation point 55-60°C, dilution end point log10minus 3 - 4. The virus reacted positive with diagnostic antiserum against CMV in DAS-ELISA test. RT-PCR reaction revealed similarity between the investigated isolate and the isolate of CMV from the Netherlands belonging to subgroup II. In the light of the foregoing facts the isolated pathogen can be identified as the Cucumber mosaic virus and Lavandula angustifolia may be regarded as its natural host.