Detection of a mixed virus population in Freesia plants with necrotic disease

The necrotic disorder of freesia (Freesia refracta hyb., Family Iridaceae) was first described in The Netherlands before 1970. In following years, the disorder was widely reported in other European countries and more recently also in the United States and in New Zealand. The presence of the Freesia sneak virus (FreSV, Ophiovirus genus) has been widely associated with the necrotic disease, but some uncertainty remains. Freesia leaves showing necrotic disease were subjected to Ophiovirus purification and the product obtained was analyzed. Several differently shaped virus particles were visualized by TEM and a new virus-like agent, with a ca. 30 kDa coat protein was detected by western blotting. Previously uncharacterized viruses, possibly transmitted by the same vector, might have a role in the disease, at least in mixed infection, and are now thickening the plot about the necrotic disease causal agent.