First report of Sagittaria virus A in Sagittaria subulata in New Zealand

Abstract Sagittaria virus A (SgVA) is reported for the first time in Sagittaria subulata in aquarium stock in New Zealand. The potyvirus monoclonal antibody PTY-1 and RT-PCR with published SgVA primers detected the virus in four of four vegetatively propagated samples from the national supplier. The virus was not detected in water surrounding the plants nor in seven monocotyledonous or two dicotyledonous plant species used in host range studies. SgVA sequences include motifs necessary for aphid transmission and therefore aphid transmission may occur in wetland habitats.