A novel vitivirus-like sequence found in Arracacia xanthorrhiza plants by high throughput sequencing

High throughput sequencing (HTS) is a very powerful tool for detecting and discovering novel viral-like sequences without prior knowledge of the sequence. Here we describe the complete genome of a new vitivirus-like sequence that was found in arracacha ( Arracacia xanthorrhiza ) plants using HTS technology. The complete genome sequence was validated by Sanger sequencing. The genomic organization of the new putative vitivirus resembles that of grapevine virus B (GVB) and grapevine virus D (GVD). The putative coat protein showed 41 to 49% identity with similar proteins of known vitiviruses, while the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase shared 52 to 55% identity with those encoded by grapevine vitiviruses. Based on the demarcation criteria for the genus Vitivirus , the virus described in this work, provisionally named as “ Arracacha virus V ”, represents a novel species in this taxon.