Duplex PCR to detect both Papaya ring spot virus and Papaya leaf curl virus simultaneously from naturally infected papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Papaya, a major fruit crop in India and worldwide, is affected by many fungal and viral diseases. A mixed infection of Papaya ring spot virus (PRSV), a linear single-stranded (+) RNA genome of approx 10 kb size, and Papaya leaf curl virus (PaLCV), a bipartite Gemini virus (component A & B) having circular single-stranded DNA (+) genome of about 5.2 kb, has hampered the production and productivity of papaya in many parts of world. Rapid detection techniques are important in prevention of spread of the disease in field conditions. In the present study, a rapid and reliable PCR based detection protocol has been standardized. Sets, of primers were designed, based on the respective virus isolate sequence data available in GenBank, to obtain anticipated products of calculated size.