PARTIAL CHARACTERISATION OF A CLOSTEROVIRUS ASSOCIATED WITH A CHLOROTIC MOTTLING OF FIG.

A double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) ca. 19 kb in size was recovered from a fig tree of Algerian origin showing chlorotic mottling and clearing of the leaves. Filamentous closterovirus-like particles up to 2100 nm in lenght and with distinct cross banding were observed with electron microscope. Citopatology and molecular analisys were carried out to identify the virus.