Identification and Molecular Characterization of a New Member of the Genus Petuvirus (Family Caulimoviridae) from Rhododendron
Sabanadzovic S, Ghanem-Sabanadzovic NA, Pappu HR. 2009. Identification and Molecular Characterization of a New Member of the Genus Petuvirus (Family Caulimoviridae) from Rhododendron. Phytopathology. 99(6--Supplement):S112
ABSTRACT: Several clones containing sequences similar to plant pararetroviruses were obtained from a Great rhododendron specimen (Rhododendron maximum L.; syn. Great Laurel, Rose Bay, American Rhododendron) as part of a project on phytoviruses in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Based on the sequence of the initial clones, specific primers were designed and used to clone the rest of the viral genome. Complete sequencing revealed that the double-stranded DNA genome of this virus is 7.1 kbp in size and contains a single open reading frame coding for a large polyprotein with conserved motifs of movement proteins (MPs) and reverse-transcriptases (RTase). Phylogenetic analyses and pair-wise comparisons revealed a close evolutionary relationship of this virus, for which the name Rhododendron virus N (RhVN) is proposed, with Petunia vein clearing virus (PVCV), currently the sole member of the genus Petuvirus, family Caulimoviridae. RhVN shared 57% and 75% common amino acids with PVCV in MP and RTase regions, respectively. A PCR-based survey of rhododendrons showed that the virus is present in several different locations in the GSMNP and in the Pacific NorthWest.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Sabanadzovic, Sead; Ghanem-Sabanadzovic, N; Pappu, H
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, ATBI, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, GRSM-00421, Rhododendron, SER, Southeast Region, vascular plants, viruses