Studies on transmission of jasmine chlorotic spot virus (JCSV) in Karnataka

Jasminum chlorotic spot virus disease (JCSV) on Jasminum spp. is on the increase in recent years. Studies on identification of resistant/tolerant sources is essential to contain the spread of this virus disease. Since very little information is available on how the virus spreads, a study was undertaken to know the nature of transmission of the virus and easy method of transmission to evaluate resistant reaction of Jasminum spp. Studies conducted at K.R.C. College of Horticulture (University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad), Arabhavi indicated that the virus was not mechanically sap transmissible. Insect vectors, viz., aphids (Aphis gossypii), white flies (Bemisia tabaci) and thrips (Thrips orientalis) failed to transmit the virus from J. sambac to J. sambac or Nicotiana tabacum. The virus was successfully transmitted through approach grafting from donor J. sambac to healthy J. sambac test plants in 35 days after grafting, but not to any other Jasminum spp. tried. The virus under study was readily transmissible through the vegetative cuttings but not through soil. Hence approach grafting may be useful method in identifying sources of resistance to this virus disease of jasmine.