Complete genome sequence of a putative novel ilarvirus isolated from Eleocharis dulcis

The complete genomic sequence of a novel ilarvirus from Eleocharis dulcis, tentatively named "water chestnut virus A" (WCVA), was determined using next-generation sequencing (NGS) combined with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) PCR. The three genomic RNA components of WCVA were 3578 (RNA1), 2873 (RNA2), and 2073 (RNA3) nucleotides long, with four predicted open reading frames containing conserved domains and motifs typical of ilarviruses. Phylogenetic analysis of each predicted protein consistently placed WCVA in subgroup 4 of the genus Ilarvirus, together with prune dwarf virus, viola white distortion associated virus, Fragaria chiloensis latent virus, and potato yellowing virus. The genetic distances and lack of serological reaction to antisera against other ilarviruses suggest that WCVA is a novel member of the genus.