ABSTRACT
The presence of Sonchus oleraceus and S. asper showing typical symptoms induced by viruses was observed in lettuce crops from the São Paulo green belt. The samples were collected and analysed by biological, serological and molecular tests, and also examined by transmission electron microscopy. Our results indicated that S. oleraceus was infected by Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) and Lettuce big-vein associated virus (LBVaV), in single or mixed infections. S. asper, however, was infected only by LMV. It is worth mentioning that symptoms caused by these viruses depreciate the lettuce production. Thus, the report of alternative hosts for these viruses contributes to the management and prevention of epidemics that could harm the lettuce production.
KEY WORDS
Weed; epidemiology; Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV); Lettuce big-vein associated virus (LBVaV)