Complete genome sequences of two different broad bean stain virus isolates

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Genomics
• Plant Pathology

Background:

• Broad bean stain virus (BBSV) is a plant pathogen belonging to the genus Comovirus.
• Understanding the genetic diversity of BBSV is crucial for disease management and control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine and analyze the complete genome sequences of two distinct BBSV strains from Tunisia and Syria.
• To compare the genetic relatedness of these strains and their phylogenetic placement within the Comovirus genus.

Main Methods:

• Next-generation sequencing (NGS) for whole-genome sequencing.
• Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) for sequence completion.
• Bioinformatic analysis including nucleotide and amino acid identity comparisons.
• Phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary relationships.

Main Results:

• The complete RNA1 and RNA2 genome sequences for the Tunisia and Syria BBSV strains were successfully determined.
• Nucleotide sequence identities between the strains were 79.2% (RNA1) and 71.6% (RNA2).
• High amino acid sequence identities were observed for the proteinase-polymerase (95.2%) and coat protein (93.9%), confirming they belong to the same species.
• Phylogenetic analysis placed both strains as closely related to red clover mottle virus.

Conclusions:

• This study reports the first complete genome sequences of two BBSV strains.
• The findings contribute to the understanding of BBSV genetic diversity and its evolutionary relationships within the Comovirus genus.
• The high sequence identity supports their classification within the same species.