Molecular Detection of Beet Mild Yellowing Virus (BMYV) in Central Region, Türkiye
Abstract
Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is an important crop that accounts for approximately one quarter of global sugar production and Türkiye ranks among the major producing countries. Sugar beet infecting viruses, particularly Beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV), have become one of the important diseases in sugar beet production, causing yield and quality losses characterized by interveinal chlorosis, general leaf yellowing and rosetting. Following the ban on neonicotinoid-based seed treatments across Europe, BMYV has re-emerged as a significant concern; however, information regarding its distribution, epidemiological status and genetic diversity in Türkiye remains limited. This study aimed to determine the presence, distribution and genetic diversity of BMYV in Kayseri Province, one of Türkiye’s major sugar beet production regions. During the 2023–2024 growing seasons, a total of 52 symptomatic sugar beet leaf samples were collected from 11 districts within the Kayseri sugar beet growing areas. RNA extraction was performed and high-throughput sequencing (HTS), PCR and Sanger Sequencing techniques were employed for virus detection and molecular characterization. PCR analyses revealed an overall infection rate of 36.54%, with the highest incidences observed in Kayseri Central (66.67%) and Yeşilhisar (60.00%) districts. Statistical analysis indicated that the differences among districts were not significant, demonstrating a homogeneous regional distribution of the virus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the coat protein (CP) gene showed that the Kayseri isolate shared 99.4% nucleotide identity with European isolates (19K and 26) but could be considered a distinct isolate. The results provide the first molecular evidence confirming the widespread presence of BMYV in Central Anatolia, Türkiye. This study revealed the necessity of developing resistant cultivars, strengthening integrated pest management practices and maintaining molecular survey programs. Considering the increased virus pressure in Europe following the neonicotinoid ban, adopting resistance breeding and sustainable virus vector control strategies in Türkiye is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of sugar beet production.