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POSTERS: Disease Detection and Diagnosis II

P-160 - Survey of viruses on native Hawaiian hibiscus in Hawaii

Tuesday, August 5, 2025
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM HST
Location: Exhibit Hall 3

    Presenting Author(s)

  • AI

    Ariel Imoto

    University of Hawaii at Manoa
    Pearl City, HI, USA

    • Author(s)

  • MM

    Michael Melzer

    University of Hawaii
    Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

  • JH

    John Hu

    University of Hawaii at Manoa
    Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

  • JH

    Jordie Ho

    University of Hawaii At Manoa
    Honolulu, HI, USA

Abstract Text: With over half of native Hawaiian Malvaceae species listed as endangered, it is critical to study the pathogenic threats they may face. Seven viruses have been identified infecting Hibiscus species in Hawaii but studies have been limited to introduced species on the island of Oahu. This study collected 45 samples from 20 different native Malvaceous species across three islands. RNA was extracted and amplified through RT-PCR to detect hibiscus-infecting kitaviruses; hibiscus latent Fort Pierce virus (family Virgaviridae), hibiscus latent Hawaii virus (family Vigraviridae), hibiscus betacarmovirus (family Tombusviridae), and hibiscus soymovirus (family Caulimoviridae). Sanger sequencing confirmed a Hibiscus latent Fort Pierce Virus infection of a symptomatic Hibiscus arnottianus from the island of Hawaii. This finding suggests the expansion of pathogens infecting beyond the island of Oahu and introduced Hibiscus species. Additionally, this finding provides critical insight on the threat viral pathogens may pose to native Malvaceae, and the need for the development of monitoring and management strategies.