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Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency
Published on: June 16, 2011
High sequence conservation among cucumber mosaic virus isolates from lily
Y K Chen1, A F Derks, S Langeveld
1Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, The Netherlands.
Archives of Virology
|October 26, 2001
Summary
Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) isolates infecting ornamental plants were classified using RNA and coat protein sequences. Most isolates matched their geographic origin, but some lily CMV strains showed unexpected genetic similarity.
Area of Science:
- Plant Virology
- Molecular Phylogenetics
- Ornamental Crop Diseases
Background:
- Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a significant pathogen affecting various plant species, including valuable ornamental crops.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and geographic distribution of CMV isolates is crucial for effective disease management and breeding resistant varieties.
- Ornamental crops represent a diverse host range for CMV, necessitating detailed characterization of infecting strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify and genetically differentiate Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) isolates obtained from various ornamental crops across different geographical locations.
- To investigate the relationship between the genetic makeup of CMV isolates and their geographical origins.
- To identify potential subgroupings within CMV populations infecting ornamental plants.
Main Methods:
- Nucleotide sequencing of RNA 4 and the encoded coat protein genes from CMV isolates.
- Phylogenetic analysis based on sequence data to determine isolate relationships.
- Comparison of sequence homology with known CMV subgroups and geographic distribution data.
Main Results:
- Both major subgroups of CMV were found to infect ornamental crops.
- CMV isolates from Alstroemeria and crocus were classified into subgroup II.
- CMV isolates from lily, gladiolus, amaranthus, larkspur, and lisianthus were identified as subgroup I members.
- Nucleotide sequence comparisons generally correlated with geographic origins.
- A notable exception was observed where five lily CMV isolates from different origins exhibited high sequence homology.
Conclusions:
- Ornamental crops harbor diverse CMV populations belonging to both major subgroups.
- Genetic characterization confirms the utility of RNA and coat protein sequences for CMV isolate classification.
- The high homology among geographically dispersed lily CMV isolates suggests potential for long-distance spread or conserved evolutionary pressures.
