A real-time reverse transcription PCR assay for detection of Cucumber mosaic virus in individual peach aphid (Myzus persicae)

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is transmitted in a nonpersistent manner by peach aphid (Myzus persicae), leading to many crop diseases. The large number of viruliferous peach M. persicae is one of the major culprits for the rampant outbreak. A novel real-time PCR assay targeting CP gene was developed to detect CMV in individual M. persicae. The sensitivity of this method was 1000-fold higher than that of the conventional PCR. These primers, with a battery of reference virus isolates, including most isolates, showed high specificity for CMV. Additionally, this method yielded negative results on all other viruses with identical transmitting vector tested. Thus, the real time RT-PCR assay could be a valuable tool for rapid, sensitive, specific detection of CMV in M. persicae. It could also be used for determining a viruliferous M. persicae in natural M. persicae population. In turn, the information could help to forecast, and therefore prevent the tobacco virus disease by timely applying of pesticide to reduce the infected M. persicae population or altering planting time to avoid the insect's migration period.