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High-Throughput Sequencing Detects a Viral Complex in Agave Tequilana Plants
Rodolfo De La Torre-Almaraz1, Héctor Salgado-Ortiz1, Mario Salazar-Segura1
1Laboratorio de Fitopatología, UBIPRO FES IZTACALA. Unam, Av. de Los Barrios 1, Hab. Los Reyes Ixtacala, Tlalnepantla de Baz 54090, Mexico.
Advances in Virology
|May 12, 2025
Summary
New viruses were discovered in blue agave plants, impacting tequila production. High-throughput sequencing identified mixed infections of Vitivirus, Potexvirus, Tepovirus, and Badnavirus, potentially novel to this economically important species.
Area of Science:
- Plant Virology
- Agro-economics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Agave tequilana (blue agave) is crucial for Mexico's tequila industry.
- Observed yellow streaks and mottling in agave plants suggested viral infections.
- Previous diagnostic tests were inconclusive, indicating unknown pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causal agents of observed symptoms in Agave tequilana.
- To characterize the viral diversity present in mixed infections.
- To confirm the presence of identified viruses using molecular techniques.
Main Methods:
- High-throughput sequencing (HTS) of viral RNA from infected agave samples.
- Bioinformatic analysis to assemble viral genomes.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing for virus confirmation.
Main Results:
- Complete genomes of Vitivirus, Potexvirus, and Tepovirus were identified.
- A partial genome of a Badnavirus was detected.
- These viruses were found in mixed infections in both commercial and ornamental agave plants.
- Virus presence was confirmed via RT-PCR of capsid protein genes.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first identification of mixed infections involving Vitivirus, Potexvirus, Tepovirus, and Badnavirus in Agave tequilana.
- These findings contribute to understanding viral diseases affecting blue agave.
- The identified viruses may represent novel species or strains impacting agave health and production.
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