INCIDENCE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BEAN COMMON MOSAIC-VIRUS ISOLATES IN SPANISH BEAN FIELDS

A 5-yr survey for the presence of bean common mosaic potyvirus (BCMV) in the major bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) growing areas of Spain was conducted, and the viral isolates were characterized biologically and serologically. Both serotype A and B were found. Necrosis-inducing serotype A isolates, found for the first time in Spain, resembled NL-3. Serotype B isolates resembled NL-4 and US-5. The complex antigenic relationships of Spanish BCMV isolates, as determined with specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, and the incidence and distribution of serotypes are discussed.