Host-dependent virus accumulation dynamics of blackberry chlorotic ringspot virus in two Rubus species

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.