Identification and molecular characterization of a new potyvirus infecting Triteleia species

Plants of Triteleia hyacinthina, Triteleia ixioides Starlight, and Triteleia laxa Corina with severe mosaic and yellow vein-banding were found to be infected with a potyvirus. The 3′-terminal region of the virus was amplified by RT-PCR from total RNA using a potyvirus-specific degenerate primer (poty5P: 5′ GGN AAY AAY AGY GGN CAR CC 3′) and an oligo-dTprimer. The sequence generated included the 3′-NIb protein coding region (680 nucleotides), the entire coat protein coding region (840 nucleotides), and 3’-untranslated region (UTR) (253 nucleotides). Amino acid identity of the whole CP between the triteleia virus and potyvirus member ranged from 54% Apium virus Y (ApVY) to 67% Auraujia mosaic virus (ArjMV) and Twisted-stalk chlorotic streak virus (TSCSV) and the core ranged from 59% (ApVY) to 75% (ArjMV). The 3-UTR showed no significant homology with other known potyviruses. Phylogenetic relationships suggest this triteleia virus is a new member of the Potyvirus genus and the name of “Triteleia mosaic virus” (TriMV) is proposed. This is the first report of a potyvirus infecting triteleia.