Identification and molecular characterization of a novel foveavirus from Rubus spp. in Turkey

Abstract

A novel plant virus was identified by high-throughput sequencing analysis from a raspberry plant showing slight mottling symptom. The complete genome sequence of this virus is 8645 nucleotides long, including the 5' and 3' UTRs. Its genome contains five ORFs and is very close to members of the genus Foveavirus (Quinvirinae, Betaflexiviridae) in terms of genome organization, TGB presence and the sizes of the RdRp and CP proteins. The novel virus shares 33.5-51.3 % and 23.3-41.3 % nucleotide identity to other genera of the Betaflexifiviridae family based on polymerase (RdRp) and CP genes, respectively. Compared to other foveavirus species, the RdRp protein showed the highest sequence identity (45.3 %) to the RdRp of peach chlorotic mottle virus (PCMV) while the maximal sequence identity for the CP protein was 33.9 % with grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus (GRSPaV). The low nucleotide and amino acid sequence identity with known foveaviruses indicated that it was a novel virus, for which the provisional name "rubus virus 1 (RuV1)" is proposed. The phylogenetic analysis supports the assignment of this virus as a new species of the genus Foveavirus. A survey of 537 Rubus spp. samples grown in six provinces of Turkey, including some symptomatic samples, showed a RuV1 prevalence of 2.2 %, confirming its presence in both raspberry and blackberry plants in a single province, although no obvious association between virus infection and specific symptoms was found.

Keywords: Foveavirus; Genomic sequence; Raspberry; Turkey.