Viruses representing two new genomovirus species identified in citrus from Tunisia

Arch Virol. 2020 May;165(5):1225-1229. doi: 10.1007/s00705-020-04569-8. Epub 2020 Mar 7.

Abstract

Using a high-throughput sequencing approach, we identified four genomoviruses (family Genomoviridae) associated with a sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) plant collected in Tunisia. The ssDNA genomes of these genomoviruses, which were amplified, cloned and Sanger sequenced, range in size from 2156 to 2191 nt. Three of these viruses share > 99% full-genome pairwise sequence identity and are referred to as citrus Tunisia genomovirus 1 (CTNGmV-1). The CTNGmV-1 isolates share < 62% genome-wide pairwise nucleotide sequence identity with other genomoviruses and belong to the genus Gemykolovirus. The genome of the fourth virus, which was called CTNGmV-2, shares < 68% nucleotide sequence identity with other genomoviruses and belongs to the genus Gemycircularvirus. Based on the species demarcation criteria for members of the family Genomoviridae, CTNGmV-1 and -2 would each represent a new species. Although found associated with Citrus sp. plants, it is likely that these viruses infect fungi or other organisms associated with the plants.

MeSH terms

  • Citrus / virology*
  • DNA Viruses / classification*
  • DNA Viruses / genetics
  • DNA Viruses / isolation & purification*
  • Fungal Viruses / classification*
  • Fungal Viruses / genetics
  • Fungal Viruses / isolation & purification*
  • Phylogeny
  • Plant Viruses / classification
  • Plant Viruses / genetics
  • Plant Viruses / isolation & purification
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA*
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • Tunisia