Molecular Signature of a Novel Alternanthera Yellow Vein Virus Variant Infecting the Ageratum conyzoides Weed in Oman

Abstract

Alternanthera yellow vein virus (AlYVV), a monopartite begomovirus, has been identified infecting a diverse range of crops and native plants in Pakistan, India, and China. However, distinctive yellow vein symptoms, characteristic of begomovirus infection, were observed on the Ageratum conyzoides weed in Oman, prompting a thorough genomic characterization in this study. The results unveiled a complete genome sequence of 2745 base pairs and an associated betasatellite spanning 1345 base pairs. In addition, Sequence Demarcation Tool analyses indicated the highest nucleotide identity of 92.8% with a previously reported AlYVV-[IN_abalpur_A_17:LC316182] strain, whereas the betasatellite exhibited a 99.8% nucleotide identity with isolates of tomato leaf curl betasatellite. Thus, our findings propose a novel AlYVV Oman virus (AlYVV-OM) variant, emphasizing the need for additional epidemiological surveillance to understand its prevalence and significance in Oman and the broader region. To effectively manage the spread of AlYVV-OM and minimize its potential harm to (agro)ecosystems, future research should focus on elucidating the genetic diversity of AlYVV-OM and its interactions with other begomoviruses.

The Role of Satellites in the Evolution of Begomoviruses

“…Recent studies have shown the association of satellite molecules with begomoviruses infecting weeds in diverse regions. Weed Sinapis arvensis is a reservoir of begomoviruses and associated betasatellites in Jordan [ 60 ]; Solanum nigrum is a host of tomato leaf curl Palampur virus and CLCuMB in Pakistan [ 61 ]; Ageratum conyzoides and Amaranthus spinosus are hosts of Ageratum yellow vein China virus and tomato leaf curl Java beta satellite in Indonesia [ 62 ]; and A. conyzoides is a host of Alternanthera yellow vein virus and tomato leaf curl betasatellite in Oman [ 63 ]. Earlier studies have shown the presence of multiple and recombinant betasatellites in weeds Digera arvensis and Sonchus arvensis [ 64 , 65 ].…”