An integrated badnavirus is prevalent in fig germplasm

Area of Science:

• Plant Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Fig mosaic is a significant viral disease affecting fig cultivation globally.
• Previous research has identified various viruses, but the causal agent remained elusive.
• This study focuses on a newly identified DNA virus implicated in fig mosaic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize the causal agent of fig mosaic disease.
• To determine the phylogenetic placement and host range of the newly discovered virus.
• To investigate the distribution and population structure of the virus in the United States.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analysis was used to classify the virus within the Badnavirus genus.
• Experimental transmission studies were conducted on herbaceous hosts.
• Virus detection was performed on fig germplasm collections and field samples across the US.
• Population structure analysis was conducted on 44 viral isolates.

Main Results:

• A novel DNA virus, provisionally named Fig badnavirus-1 (FBV-1), was identified.
• FBV-1 was successfully transmitted to several herbaceous hosts.
• The virus was detected widely across the United States in various fig samples, including germplasm, seedlings, and tissue cultures.
• Evidence suggests FBV-1 integrates into the host fig genome.

Conclusions:

• Fig badnavirus-1 is identified as a causal agent of fig mosaic disease.
• FBV-1 exhibits a broad host range and wide geographical distribution in the US.
• The integration of FBV-1 into the fig genome has implications for disease management and viral persistence.