A new emaravirus discovered in Pistacia from Turkey

High throughput sequencing was performed on total pooled RNA from six Turkish trees of Pistacia showing different viral symptoms. The analysis produced some contigs showing similarity with RNAs of emaraviruses. Seven distinct negative-sense, single-stranded RNAs were identified as belonging to a new putative virus infecting pistachio. The amino acid sequence identity compared to homologs in the genus Emaravirus ranged from 71% for the replicase gene on RNA1, to 36% for the putative RNA7 gene product. All the RNA molecules were verified in a pistachio plant by RT-PCR and conventional sequencing. Although the analysed plants showed a range of symptoms, it was not possible to univocally associate the virus with a peculiar one. The possible virus transmission by mite vector needs to be demonstrated by a survey, to observe spread and potential effect on yield in the growing areas of the crop.