Complete genome sequence of the original Taiwanese isolate of sweet potato latent virus and its relationship to other potyviruses infecting sweet potato

The complete genome of sweet potato latent virus (SPLV) was determined to be 10081 nucleotides long excluding the 3’ poly (A) tail. The genome contains a single large open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of 3247 amino acids. Its genomic organization is typical of potyviruses and contains motifs conserved in members of the genus Potyvirus. Pairwise comparisons show that SPLV shares identities of 50.0 %-56.3 % to other potyviruses at the genomic sequence level. Phylogenetic analysis shows that SPLV is closely related to four other sweet potato potyviruses in the sweet potato feathery mottle virus lineage, but it lacks the unique PISPO in the P1 region of those viruses. The genome analyses confirm that SPLV is a distinct sweet potato virus in the genus Potyvirus.     

Characterization of a member of a new Potyvirus species infecting arracacha in Brazil

An arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza) plant collected in Brazil was found to be infected by a new virus. This viral isolate (named C17) systemically infected Nicotiana benthamiana and Apium graveolens. A polyclonal antibody was raised, and analysis of our arracacha germplasm collection showed a high infection rate of C17-like viruses (93% infection). Sequencing of the ca. 1.7 kb 3′-terminal genomic region revealed a typical potyvirus genome organization. It shared less than 70% nucleotide identity with any other potyvirus sequence, which thus indicated that it is possibly a member of a new Potyvirus species tentatively named Arracacha mottle virus (AMoV).     

Biological and molecular characterisation of Bidens mosaic virus supports its assignment as a member of a distinct species in the genus Potyvirus

The complete nucleotide (nt) sequence of Bidens mosaic virus (BiMV) isolate SP01 was determined and shown to consist of 9,557 nt. Since it shared highest identities in the nt sequence of the whole genome (66–73 %) and in the aa sequence of the polyprotein (60–76 %) with viruses of the potato virus Y subgroup, it was compared with them genetically and biologically. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the closest relative of BiMV is sunflower chlorotic mottle virus, from which it, however, differed significantly in various respects. These results indicate that BiMV should represent a distinct species in the genus Potyvirus.     

The complete genome sequence of Piper yellow mottle virus (PYMoV)

This study reports the first complete genome sequence of Piper yellow mottle virus (PYMoV, KC808712) identified in black pepper. The genome is 7,622 nucleotides long, possessing four open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1, ORF2 and ORF4 of PYMoV are reported as hypothetical proteins of unknown function with a predicted molecular mass of 15.7, 17.1 and 17.9 kDa, respectively. ORF3 of PYMoV encodes a polyprotein of 218.6 kDa and consists of a viral movement protein (MP), trimeric dUTPase, zinc finger, retropepsin, RT-LTR, and RNAse H. Detailed PYMoV genome analysis confirmed that it is a member of the family Caulimoviridae, genus Badnavirus. Fragments of two additional novel sequences resembling those found in members of the family Caulimoviridae were also identified in the black pepper sample, and the viruses from which they were derived were tentatively named Piper DNA virus 1 and 2.     

Complete genome sequence of Habenaria mosaic virus, a new potyvirus infecting a terrestrial orchid (Habenaria radiata) in Japan

The complete genomic sequence of Habenaria mosaic virus (HaMV), which infects terrestrial orchids (Habenaria radiata), has been determined. The genome is composed of 9,499 nucleotides excluding the 3′-terminal poly(A) tail, encoding a large polyprotein of 3,054 amino acids with the genomic features typical of a potyvirus. Putative proteolytic cleavage sites were identified by sequence comparison to those of known potyviruses. The HaMV polyprotein showed 58 % amino acid sequence identity to that encoded by the most closely related potyvirus, tobacco vein banding mosaic virus. Phylogenetic analysis of the polyprotein amino acid sequence and its coding sequences confirmed that HaMV formed a cluster with the chilli veinal mottle virus group, most of which infect solanaceous plants. These results suggest that HaMV is a distinct member of the genus Potyvirus.     

Molecular characterization of artemisia virus A, a new sobemovirus isolated from Artemisia annua

A distinct sobemovirus was isolated from diseased Artemisia annua plants grown in experimental culture plots in Switzerland. Electron microscopy performed on extracts of leaf and root samples of a diseased A. annua plant revealed icosahedral-30 nm viral particles. The complete nucleotide sequence of the viral genome was determined. The single positive-strand RNA of 4138 nt encodes four open reading frames with an organization similar to that described for sobemoviruses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship to ryegrass mottle virus. The virus was efficiently acquired by healthy A. annua from contaminated soil samples. “Artemisia virus A” is tentatively proposed as a name for this new candidate member of the unassigned genus Sobemovirus.     

Complete nucleotide sequence of a strain of cherry mottle leaf virus associated with peach wart disease in peach

The complete nucleotide sequence and genome organization of a peach virus isolate from a naturally infected peach tree showing typical peach wart-like symptoms on the fruit surface was determined and compared to sequences of members of the family Betaflexiviridae. The genome consists of 7,987 nucleotides, excluding the poly-A tail, and has four open reading frames (ORFs). Analysis of the whole genome and putative proteins encoded by each ORF revealed greatest sequence similarity to a cherry isolate of cherry mottle leaf virus (CMLV). The two isolates have similar genome organizations and share 88 and 93 % homology in their corresponding products of the replicase and coat protein genes, respectively. CMLV has been reported from several Prunus spp. and may be associated with peach wart-like disease symptoms on peach fruit.     

Further evidence reveals that okra mottle virus arose from a double recombination event

As a result of surveys of okra begomoviruses (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) conducted over the last five years in Central Brazil, we report the complete genome sequence of an isolate of okra mottle virus (OMoV). The DNA-A and DNA-B components were 2660 and 2653 nucleotides (nt) long, respectively, and they were most closely related to the DNA-A (~99 % nt identity) and DNA-B (~98 % nt identity) components of an OMoV isolate from a soybean plant. A phylogenetic tree was generated based on these sequences, and it was shown that both of the OMoV DNA components were grouped in a branch with Brazilian begomoviruses known to infect weeds. By recombination analysis, strong evidence was observed that the OMoV genome may have been the product of a double inter-species recombination event.     

A previously undescribed potyvirus isolated and characterized from arborescent Brugmansia

A suspected virus disease was identified from an arborescent Brugmansia x candida Pers. (syn. Datura candida Pers.) tree. The causal agent was aphid transmissible at low rates. Viral particles were purified from infected tobacco tissue, analyzed, and purified virions were inoculated into healthy tobacco plants to recreate the symptoms. The virions had a mean length of 720-729 nm, and infected cells contained inclusion bodies typical of potyvirus infections. Analysis of infected tissues and purified virions with a panel of potyvirus-specific antibodies confirmed identification as a potyvirus. Viral host range, dilution end point, thermal tolerance and aphid transmission characteristics were examined. The viral genome (9761 nt) is typical of potyviruses, with the closest related potyvirus being pepper mottle virus, at 72 % nt sequence identity. Based on conventions for naming novel potyviruses, the virus was determined to be a member of a previously undescribed species, tentatively named “Brugmansia mosaic virus” (BruMV).     

Characterization of the complete genome of a novel citrivirus infecting Actinidia chinensis

A ssRNA virus from kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) was identified as a member of the family Betaflexiviridae. It was mechanically transmitted to the herbaceous indicators Nicotiana benthamiana, N. clevelandii, N. glutinosa and N. occidentalis. The complete genome was comprised of three ORFs and a 3’poly (A) tail. Phylogenetic analysis of the entire genome indicated it was a novel member of the genus Citrivirus (family Betaflexiviridae). The complete nucleotide sequence differed from that of citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV) by ~ 26 %. The movement protein (ORF2) and coat protein (ORF3) shared 95-96 % and 90-92 % amino acid sequence identity, respectively, with CLBV. The replicase polyprotein (ORF1) was distinctly different from published CLBV sequences, with 78-79 % amino acid sequence identity, while the 5’ UTR and 3’ UTR differed from CLBV by 28 % and 29 %, respectively. The sequence differences indicate that the citrivirus from Actinidia is either a divergent strain of CLBV or a member of a new citrivirus species.     

Characterization of a new anulavirus isolated from Amazon lily plants

A quasi-spherical virus was isolated from a cultivated Amazon lily plant (Eucharis grandiflora) that could be mechanically transmitted to healthy E. grandiflora plants, subsequently producing mild mosaic or mottle symptoms on the leaves. The purified virus consisted of three quasi-spherical particles about 20 nm wide and 70, 40 and 30 nm in length, containing three segmented genomes of 3,169, 2,507 and 2,530 nucleotides, respectively. Sequence analysis showed that the newly isolated virus is related to pelargonium zonate spot virus, a member of the genus Anulavirus. We propose that the virus should be designated as Amazon lily mild mottle virus (ALiMMV).     

Complete nucleotide sequence of rose yellow vein virus, a member of the family Caulimoviridae having a novel genome organization

This report describes the complete nucleotide sequence and genome organization of rose yellow vein virus (RYVV), a proposed new member of the family Caulimoviridae. The RYVV genome is 9314 bp in size and contains eight open reading frames (ORFs). ORFs 1, 2, and 3 have 22–38 % amino acid sequence similarity to known members of the family Caulimoviridae. The remaining ORFs have no significant amino acid sequence similarity to known viruses. Based on differences in its genome organization, its low sequence similarity to known members of the family Caulimoviridae, and the results of phylogenetic analysis, RYVV appears to be a distinct new member of this family.     

Complete nucleotide sequence of rose yellow mosaic virus, a novel member of the family Potyviridae

The complete genomic sequence of rose yellow mosaic virus (RoYMV) was determined and found to have all the features that are characteristic of members of the family Potyviridae. The RoYMV genome is 9508 nucleotides long excluding the 3′-poly-(A) tail and contains a single open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of 3067 amino acids. The RoYMV P3 and CI cistrons are shorter than those of other members of the family Potyviridae, and the 6K1 cistron is completely absent. Comparative sequence analysis revealed that RoYMV had highest amino acid sequence identity across the entire genome sequence to brome streak mosaic virus (33 %) and to turnip mosaic virus (30 %) at the coat protein level. Based on its low sequence similarity to known members of the family Potyviridae and phylogenetic analysis, RoYMV appears to be a distinct, previously undescribed, member of this family.     

Complete genome sequence of keunjorong mosaic virus, a potyvirus from Cynanchum wilfordii

We have determined the complete genome sequence of keunjorong mosaic virus (KjMV). The KjMV genome is composed of 9,611 nucleotides, excluding the 3′-terminal poly(A) tail. It contains two open reading frames (ORFs), with the large one encoding a polyprotein of 3,070 amino acids and the small overlapping ORF encoding a PIPO protein of 81 amino acids. The KjMV genome shared the highest nucleotide sequence identity (57.5  %) with pepper mottle virus and freesia mosaic virus, two members of the genus Potyvirus. Based on the phylogenetic relatedness to known potyviruses, KjMV appears to be a member of a new species in the genus Potyvirus.     

Genome sequence of vanilla distortion mosaic virus infecting Coriandrum sativum

The 9573-nucleotide genome of a potyvirus was sequenced from a Coriandrum sativum plant from India with viral symptoms. On analysis, this virus was shown to have greater than 85 % nucleotide sequence identity to vanilla distortion mosaic virus (VDMV). Analysis of the putative coat protein sequence confirmed that this virus was in fact VDMV, with greater than 91 % amino acid sequence identity. The genome appears to encode a 3083-amino-acid polyprotein potentially cleaved into the 10 mature proteins expected in potyviruses. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that VDMV is a distinct but ungrouped member of the genus Potyvirus.     

Yellow tailflower mild mottle virus: a new tobamovirus described from Anthocercis littorea (Solanaceae) in Western Australia

The complete genome sequence of a tobamovirus was determined from a wild plant of yellow tailflower (Anthocercis littorea, family Solanaceae) that exhibited mild mottling and chlorosis on the leaves. The virus induced severe symptoms including systemic necrosis when inoculated to plants of three other solanaceous species. The viral genome was resequenced after passage in Nicotiana benthamiana. The two genomes were 6379 nucleotides in length, and they differed by three nucleotides. Phylogenetic analysis and the deduced architecture of the genome place the virus, provisionally named yellow tailflower mild mottle virus, with other tobamoviruses that infect solanaceous hosts.