Pea tissue necrosis induced by Cucumber mosaic virus alone or together with Watermelon mosaic virus

Necrotic diseases of the stems, petioles, and leaves of pea plants (Pisum sativum L.), leading to wilting and death, occur in the Wakayama and Mie Prefectures of Japan. Based on host range, symptomatology, electron microscopy, and serological relationships, Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and three Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) isolates (PE2, PE3A, and PB1) were isolated from diseased plants in the Wakayama Prefecture. In the Mie Prefecture, CMV (PEAN) also was isolated from pea plants with similar symptoms. Single infection with CMV (PB1 or PEAN) caused stem necrosis and eventual death of pea plants. Similar symptoms developed after double infection with WMV and PE2 or PE3A, whereas single infection with PE2 and PE3A induced symptomless infection in pea plants. We concluded either CMV alone or synergistic effects of mixed infection with CMV and WMV induced pea plant stem necrosis.