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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » National Clonal Germplasm Repository » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #355607
Research Project: Management of Temperate-Adapted Fruit, Nut, and Specialty Crop Genetic Resources and Associated Information

Location: National Clonal Germplasm Repository

Title: Characterization and detection of a novel idaeovirus infecting blackcurrant

Author
item THEKKE-VEETIL, THANUJA - University Of Arkansas
item HO, THIEN - University Of Arkansas
item Postman, Joseph
item TZANETAKIS, IOANNIS - University Of Arkansas

Submitted to: European Journal of Plant Pathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/2/2017
Publication Date: 3/30/2017
Citation: Thekke-Veetil, T., Ho, T., Postman, J.D., Tzanetakis, I.E. 2017. Characterization and detection of a novel idaeovirus infecting blackcurrant. European Journal of Plant Pathology. 149,751-757.

Interpretive Summary: A black currant plant growing at the USDA germplasm collection in Corvallis, Oregon exhibited unusual yellow-leaf symptoms every spring. Researchers at the University of Arkansas were able to isolate a unique plant virus from the symptomatic plant. This virus represents a new member of the virus genus called 'Idaeovirus' and is related to a virus that causes a disease of raspberries. A survey is being conducted to discover whether other currant and gooseberry plants are infected with the same virus and whether the virus is a concern for plant nurseries.

Technical Abstract: A novel virus was discovered in a black currant accession (Ribes nigrum L.) at the USDA genebank in Oregon, USA. The genome consists of two positive-sense, single-stranded RNAs with the first encoding a 197 kDa multifunctional protein with methyl transferase, helicase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzymatic motifs. The second molecule encodes two putative proteins; the 39 kDa movement and 30 kDa coat proteins. Both RNAs have conserved sequences and structures at the 5' and 3' termini. The genome organization, sequence and phylogenetic analyses indicate that the virus is a putative new member of the genus Idaeovirus, as it consistently groups with privet leaf blotch-associated virus and raspberry bushy dwarf virus. A duplex RT-PCR assay was developed for rapid detection of both genomic RNAs simultaneously. The work presented in this communication will assure the health status of blackcurrant plants in mother blocks, nurseries and production fields alike.