Three distinct begomoviruses associated with soybean in central Brazil

Area of Science:

• Plant Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Soybean (Glycine max) is a crucial crop globally.
• Begomoviruses, a genus of geminiviruses, are known plant pathogens.
• Previous reports of begomovirus infection in Brazilian soybean have been sporadic and not considered economically significant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the complete nucleotide sequences of begomoviruses infecting soybean plants in central Brazil.
• To identify the specific begomovirus species involved in soybean infections.
• To assess the diversity of begomoviruses affecting soybean in the region.

Main Methods:

• Sample collection from symptomatic soybean plants in Goiás, Brazil.
• Confirmation of begomovirus infection using PCR with universal primers.
• Rolling-circle amplification (RCA) of total DNA from infected plants.
• Cloning and sequencing of DNA-A and DNA-B components of the viruses.

Main Results:

• Complete nucleotide sequences of three distinct begomoviruses were determined.
• The identified viruses were bean golden mosaic virus, Sida micrantha mosaic virus, and okra mottle virus.
• Okra mottle virus, previously identified in okra, was confirmed as a pathogen of soybean.
• This study identified multiple begomovirus species coinfecting soybean plants.

Conclusions:

• Begomovirus infections in Brazilian soybean are more diverse than previously recognized.
• The presence of okra mottle virus in soybean highlights the potential for host range expansion in plant viruses.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the economic impact of these begomovirus infections on soybean production in Brazil.