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POSTERS: Disease Detection and Diagnosis II

P-194 - Molecular Survey of Viruses Infecting Dragon Fruit Crops in Ecuador

Tuesday, August 5, 2025
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM HST
Location: Exhibit Hall 3
Abstract Text: Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) has emerged as Ecuador’s most important non-traditional export crop, driven by increasing global demand. However, the uncontrolled introduction of plant material has facilitated the spread of several viruses, posing a serious threat to production. This study aims to identify the most prevalent viruses infecting dragon fruit in Ecuador and assess their genetic diversity. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) was performed on symptomatic samples from a commercial orchard in Santa Elena province, revealing the presence of four potexviruses: Cactus virus X (CVX), Pitahaya virus X (PitVX), Zygocactus virus X (ZyVX), and Schlumbergera virus X (SchVX). Also, Pitahaya badnavirus 1 (PiBV1) and Cactus carlavirus 2 (CCV2) were detected. RT-PCR assays confirmed the widespread prevalence of SchVX, CVX, PitVX, and PiBV1 in samples collected across multiple provinces, while ZyVX and CCV2 were detected sporadically. Genomic analyses revealed the highest genetic variability for CVX, while the low genetic variability between Ecuadorean and global isolates observed for the other five viruses suggests recent introductions. The mechanical transmission of potexviruses and the vegetative propagation of dragon fruit represent significant challenges for disease management. These findings highlight the urgent need for virus-free propagation material, improved diagnostic tools, and continuous surveillance to mitigate the further spread. Understanding viral diversity will support the development of integrated disease management strategies to sustain the industry’s growth.