Complete genome sequence of a novel botourmiavirus infecting the fungus Phomopsis asparagi

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Mycology
• Plant Pathology

Background:

• Phytopathogenic fungi can harbor mycoviruses that influence host biology.
• The diversity of mycoviruses, particularly within the family Botourmiaviridae, is still being explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a novel mycovirus isolated from Phomopsis asparagi.
• To determine the phylogenetic placement of the newly identified mycovirus.

Main Methods:

• Genome sequencing of the mycovirus.
• Bioinformatic analysis of the viral genome, including open reading frame identification.
• Phylogenetic analysis based on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) sequences.

Main Results:

• Discovery and characterization of Phomopsis asparagi magoulivirus 1 (PaMV1).
• PaMV1 possesses a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome (2,639 nucleotides) encoding a putative RdRp.
• Phylogenetic analysis places PaMV1 within the genus Magoulivirus, distinct from other known viruses.

Conclusions:

• PaMV1 represents a novel mycovirus, expanding the known diversity within the genus Magoulivirus.
• The findings contribute to understanding the virosphere of phytopathogenic fungi.