Surveillance and risk assessment of lentil viruses in Nepal using accurate serological and RT-PCR diagnostic tools

Kumari, Safaa; Khadka, Ram; Moukahel, Abdulrahman

Surveillance and risk assessment of lentil viruses in Nepal using accurate serological and RT-PCR diagnostic tools

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Date

2025-12-24

Contributes to SDGs

Authors

Kumari, Safaa

Khadka, Ram

Moukahel, Abdulrahman

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Citation

Safaa G. Kumari, Ram B. Khadka and Abdelrahman Moukahel. 2025. Surveillance and risk assessment of lentil viruses in Nepal using accurate serological and RT-PCR diagnostic tools. ICARDA, Lebanon. (Internal Report).

Abstract

A field survey was conducted during 23–27 February 2025, in three regions of Nepal (Kathmandu, Lumbini and Gandaki) to assess the prevalence of viruses affecting lentil crops. A total of 2,041 random samples and 210 symptomatic samples were collected from 22 lentil fields and tested by tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA) using a battery of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. Further testing of selected TBIA-positive samples was performed using RT-PCR with generic and specific primers. The TBIA results showed that the most prevalent lentil viruses were Pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) (overall infection rate in the random samples of 18.5%), Cucumber mosaic virus (15%) and number of polerovirus/luteovirus species. Molecular testing has confirmed for the first time the presence of the following viruses in Nepal: Beet western virus (BWYV), Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV), Chickpea chlorotic stunt virus (CpCSV), Brassica yellows virus (BrYV) (genus Polerovirus, family Solemoviridae) and Soybean dwarf virus (SbDV) (genus Luteovirus, family Tombusviridae). The widespread presence of seed-borne viruses (PSbMV and CMV) highlights the need for seed testing within the lentil seed certification system. The presence of several aphid-transmitted poleroviruses also necessitates the development of diseases management strategies, as outbreaks in Nepal’s lentil crops can lead to significant yield losses. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of serological and molecular tools for virus monitoring and identification. Furthermore, this study provides essential information to support the Nepalese lentil breeding program for developing virus-resistant varieties and will guide the Nepalese Seed Certification Authority in implementing seed-borne virus testing in lentils.