Complete genome sequence of yam chlorotic necrosis virus, a novel macluravirus infecting yam

Authors: LAN, PINGXUI - Yunnan Agricultural University; MENG, YU - Yunnan Agricultural University; CAO, MENGJI - Southwest University; Li, Ruhui; MA, YAN - Yunnan Agricultural University; TAN, SONGTAO - Yunnan Agricultural University; CHEN, HAIRU - Yunnan Agricultural University; LI, FAN - Yunnan Agricultural University

Submitted to: Archives of Virology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/11/2018
Publication Date: 4/21/2018
Citation: Lan, P., Meng, Y., Cao, M., Li, R., Ma, Y., Tan, S., Chen, H., Li, F. 2018. Complete genome sequence of yam chlorotic necrosis virus, a novel macluravirus infecting yam. Archives of Virology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-018-3851-5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-018-3851-5

Interpretive Summary: Yams (Dioscorea spp.) are a group of multi-species tuberous food crops grown in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. Some yams are also important medical plants. They are propagated by tubers. Viruses of yams can be transmitted in propagative material, and many are also transmitted by insects. Viral diseases can cause significant yield and/or quality losses in the crop. In this study, the complete genome sequence of a virus causing yellow necrosis of yam in Yunnan Province, China was determined. Analyses of the genomic RNA indicated that it is a new virus in the genus Macluravirus. This information will help develop better detection and diagnostic methods for this group of viruses in yam plants.

Technical Abstract: Complete genomic sequence of a novel member of the genus Macluravirus was determined from yam plants with chlorotic and necrotic symptoms in China. The genomic RNA consists of 8,261 nucleotides (nt) excluding the 3’-terminal poly (A) tail, containing one long open reading frame (ORF) encoding a large putative polyprotein of 2,627 amino acids. Its genomic structure is typical of macluraviruses, which lack several features of other potyviruses: of P1 protein, N-terminal HC-Pro and DAG motif for aphid transmission. The virus shares 56.3-63.8% nt sequence identities and 49.7-63.9% amino acid sequence identities with other members of the genus Macluravirus. Phylogenetic analysis of the polyprotein sequence places the virus within the genus Macluravirus. These results suggest that the virus, tentatively named Yam chlorotic necrosis virus, is a novel species of the genus Macluravirus.