Genetic diversity and phylogenetic characteristics of viruses in lily plants in Beijing

Abstract

Lily (Lilium) is an important bulbous perennial herb that is frequently infected by one or more viruses. To investigate the diversity of lily viruses, lilies with virus-like symptoms in Beijing were collected to perform small RNA deep sequencing. Then, the 12 complete and six nearly full-length viral genomes, including six known viruses and two novel viruses were determined. Based on sequence and phylogenetic analyses, two novel viruses were considered to be members of the genera Alphaendornavirus (Endornaviridae) and Polerovirus (Solemoviridae). These two novel viruses were provisionally named lily-associated alphaendornavirus 1 (LaEV-1) and lily-associated polerovirus 1 (LaPV-1). Based on sequence, phylogenetic and recombination analyses, strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRSV) in the genus Stralarivirus (Secoviridae) was identified for the first time in China, and shown to exhibit the highest nucleotide (nt) diversity among the available full-length SLRSV genome sequences, with the highest identities of 79.5% for RNA1 and 80.9% for RNA2. Interestingly, the protease cofactor region in RNA1 was 752 aa in length, whereas those of the other 27 characterized isolates ranged from 700–719 aa in length. The genome sequences of lily virus A (Potyvirus), lily virus X (Potexvirus), and plantago asiatica mosaic virus (Potexvirus) exhibited varying degrees of sequence diversity at the nucleotide level compared with their corresponding characterized isolates. In addition, plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV) tended to cluster on a host species-basis. One identified lily mottle virus (Potyvirus) isolate was detected as a recombinant, and which clustered in a different group with four other isolates. Seven identified lily symptomless virus (Carlavirus) isolates, including one recombinant, were clustered into three clades. Our results revealed the genetic diversity of lily-infecting viruses, and sequence insertion, host species and recombination are factors that likely contribute to this diversity. Collectively, our results provide useful information regarding the control of viral disease in lily.

Aphid Resistance Evaluation and Constitutive Resistance Analysis of Eighteen Lilies

“…are important perennial herbaceous bulbous plants that are primarily distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Eastern Asia, Europe, and North America [21]. Lilies are cultivated as ornamental plants worldwide, serving various purposes such as cut flowers, potted flowers, and urban landscaping [22]. Due to their beautiful flowers and pleasant fragrance, lilies occupy a significant portion of the market in the global cut flower industry and are highly appreciated by customers [23].…”

“…Additionally, the steroidal saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides contained in the Lilium are the main active substances with pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities [21]. Thus, lilies are also widely cultivated as edible and medicinal plants in several Asian countries [22,24] Biotic stress caused by pests and pathogens seriously hinders the sustainable development of the lily industry. Among the pests that harm lilies, cotton aphids are particularly problematic.…”