Characterization of a new potyvirus isolated from Chinese artichoke in Japan

Afilamentous virus was isolated in Japan from virus-infected Chinese artichoke showing mosaic symptoms. This virus was assigned to the genus Potyvirus, based on particle morphology and serological properties. The virus could be transmitted to several test plants but not to Perilla frutesence, the host plant of Perilla mottle virus. cDNA corresponding to the 3'-terminal 1675 nucleotides of the viral RNA, excluding the poly (A) tail, was cloned and sequenced. The amino acid sequence of the coat protein was different from those of 74 distinct potyviruses. Therefore, we propose that the new potyvirus should be designated as Chinese artichoke mosaic virus (ChAMV).