Molecular Detection and Investigation of Irish Severe Mosaic Virus in Saffron, Fields of Razavi and South Khorasan

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is related to Iridaceae family and is one of the most important products in Iran. Recently, different viral diseases were detected on it. Iris severe mosaic virus is detected on some ornamental plants in Iran but has not been reported on saffron. In order to detect this virus, we collected 130 samples with yellowing, stunning, mosaic symptoms on saffron leaves and they were tested by PCR and specific primers. Finally fragments with 917 bp were amplified in 5 samples. Samples were cloned or more investigations in Macrogene company of Korea. Investigation of phylogeny according to coat protein showed that 5 Iranian isolates were separated in two groups near to Chinese isolates. Investigation in this survey showed that different groups were separated according their geographical distribution. Recombinant investigation showed that in none of Iranian isolates there is no recombination. This research is the first report of this virus and first molecular and phylogeny investigation in saffron fields of South and Razavi Khorasan.