ARS | Publication request: Identification and characterization of a new ampelovirus infecting cultivated and wild blackberries

Submitted to: APS Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 25, 2011
Publication Date: August 2, 2011
Citation: Sabanadzovic, S., Keller, K.E., Martin, R.R., Tzanetakis, I.E. 2011. Identification and characterization of a new ampelovirus infecting cultivated and wild blackberries. APS Annual Meeting. 101(6):S158.

Technical Abstract: A novel ampelovirus from blackberry was identified recently in Mississippi and characterized in the framework of NIFA-funded Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) Project on viruses affecting blackberries in the southeastern United States. The virus sequence was obtained from high throughput sequencing (Illumina platform) using dsRNA as template and RT-PCR to fill in gaps. The genome organization of this virus resembles that of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3, the type member of the genus Ampelovirus (family Closteroviridae). Amino acid sequence identities between genomic products of the blackberry ampelovirus and GLRaV-3 varied from 35% (diverged coat protein) to 65% (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase), suggesting that this blackberry virus is a new member of the genus. Phylogenetic trees, independent of method used or genomic products compared, always placed this virus closest to GLRaV-3. Preliminary survey data from a limited number of samples indicated the presence of this virus in several cultivated and wild blackberry specimens. Identification of its putative mealybug vector and evaluation of its incidence/importance in blackberry in the major blackberry-producing areas of the United States are the present focus of this research.