The complete sequence of the genomic RNAs of spinach latent virus

Summary.  We describe the sequence for the complete genome of spinach latent virus (SpLV). Comparisons of this genome with that of the only other complete genome described for a species within the genus Ilarvirus (citrus leaf rugose virus – CiLRV) indicate that while there are marked differences between the RNA 3 of the two viruses, their respective RNAs 1 and 2 share many similarities. However, the putative 2a protein of SpLV contains a C₂H₂ type “zinc finger”-like motif located towards the carboxy terminal of the protein which is absent in CiLRV and has not been reported for other members of the family Bromoviridae. A second open reading frame (2b), located at a similar position to that described for the cucumoviruses, occurs in the RNA 2 of both SpLV and CiLRV. The putative coat protein of SpLV is similar to that of citrus variegation virus (CVV) and asparagus virus 2 (AV-2), both members of subgroup 2 of the ilarviruses. We have subsequently demonstrated a serological relationship between SpLV and other viruses in subgroup 2 and suggest that SpLV should be included in this subgroup rather than remain in a separate group (subgroup 6). However, while the putative movement protein of SpLV is remarkably similar to that of AV-2, it shows little relationship with the corresponding protein of CVV and the lack of similarity suggests that a recombination event may have occurred in the past. The relationship between the genera Alfamovirus and Ilarvirus is discussed in the light of the data for the genome of SpLV and recently published information for other members of the genus Ilarvirus. Received October 21, 1996 Accepted December 3, 1996