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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.01.14.633050

Munger black raspberry: Insights into its role as a virus indicator for Rubus species

Sierra-Mejia, A.·Tzanetakis, I.
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Abstract

Munger black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) has been a preferred indicator for Rubus viruses. The working hypothesis behind the Munger elevated susceptibility to viruses is its ability to sustain elevated virus titers; however, no research has yet explored this concept. To address this, we utilized an infectious clone of blackberry chlorotic ringspot virus to study the differences in virus expression between two Rubus species: R. occidentalis ( Munger) and R. L. subgenus Rubus Watson (blackberry, Natchez). Our data demonstrate that virus accumulation in Munger is over 47,300 times higher compared to Natchez, enhancing our understanding of virus-host dynamics and providing valuable insights into why Munger is a preferred indicator species for virus detection in Rubus spp.

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Sierra-Mejia, A., Tzanetakis, I.. 2025-01-15. Munger black raspberry: Insights into its role as a virus indicator for Rubus species. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.01.14.633050

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