Multiplex reverse transcription-PCR for simultaneous detection of beet necrotic yellow vein virus, Beet soilborne virus, and Beet virus Q and their vector Polymyxa betae KESKIN on sugar beet.

Three soilborne viruses transmitted by Polymyxa betae KESKIN in sugar beet have been described: Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), the agent of rhizomania, Beet soilborne virus (BSBV), and Beet virus Q (BVQ). A multiplex reverse transcription-PCR technique was developed to simultaneously detect BNYVV, BSBV, and BVQ, together with their vector, P. betae. The detection threshold of the test was up to 128 times greater than that of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Systematic association of BNYVV with one or two different pomoviruses was observed. BVQ was detected in samples from Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Sweden, and The Netherlands but not in samples from Turkey.