Virus particles in guttate and xylem of infected cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Summary Particles of plant viruses representing ten genera were visualised by electron microscopy in samples of guttate from systemically infected cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants. For the majority of viruses tested, guttation samples tested positively by ELISA and infectivity was also demonstrated. Virus particles of zucchini yellow mosaic potyvirus were also observed in xylem in sections of infected root tissue. Since guttate originates from xylem exudate, this study demonstrates the potential for xylem tissue to act as a conduit for a diverse group of plant viruses in planta