AUTHOR=Zhao Ruibai , Su Xiaoqi , Yu Fengjuan , Liu Zhu , Huang Xi 

TITLE=Identification and characterization of two closely related virga-like viruses latently infecting rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis)

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=14

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1286369

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2023.1286369

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>A novel virga-like virus, provisionally named Rubber tree latent virus 2 (RTLV2), was identified from rubber tree (<italic>Hevea brasiliensis</italic>). It is a close relative of the previously reported Rubber tree latent virus 1 (RTLV1). The complete genomes of RTLV1 and RTLV2 were sequenced and comparatively analyzed in terms of genome organization, putative gene products and phylogenetic relationship. Both RTLV1 and RTLV2 have positive-sense single-stranded RNA genomes that encode seven open reading frames (ORFs), forming a similar genomic layout. In phylogenetic analyses based on replicase and coat protein amino acid sequences, RTLV1 and RTLV2 were clustered with unclassified virga-like viruses. They are distinct from currently recognized plant virus families. RTLV1 and RTLV2 can be distinguished from members of <italic>Virgaviridae</italic> by the presence of a putative coat protein duplex and a poly(A) tail at the 3′-terminus. The authenticity of RTLV1 and RTLV2 as infectious viruses was confirmed through field investigations and transmissibility assays. In conclusion, RTLV1 and RTLV2 represent a novel plant virus group that does not readily fit into current virus families.</p>