Discovery and Characterization of a Novel Ampelovirus on Firespike

oleh: Yaqin Wang, Yu Song, Yongzhi Wang, Mengji Cao, Tao Hu, Xueping Zhou

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2020-12-01

Deskripsi

A novel RNA virus was identified in firespike (<i>Odontonema tubaeforme</i>) plants exhibiting leaf curling and chlorosis. The molecular features of the viral genomic RNA and proteins resemble those of ampeloviruses. Based on sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis, we propose a new species in the genus <i>Ampelovirus</i>, which we have tentatively named Firespike leafroll-associated virus (FLRaV). Bioassays showed that the virus is mechanically transmissible to <i>Nicotiana benthamiana</i>. In addition, a full-length cDNA clone of FLRaV could successfully infect <i>N. benthamiana</i> via agroinfiltration.