Characterization of a New Nepovirus Causing a Leaf Mottling Disease in Petunia hybrida.

Icosahedral virus-like particles were isolated from Petunia hybrida cuttings with interveinal chlorotic mottling. The virus was transmitted by mechanical inoculation from infected to healthy P. hybrida, and was found to contain a bipartite RNA genome of 7.6 and 3.8 kilobases. Full genomic sequence was obtained by high-throughput sequencing combined with RACE amplification of the 5'-termini of RNAs 1 and 2, and reverse transcription PCR amplification of the 3'-termini with oligo-dT and sequence specific primers. Based on particle morphology, genome organization, and phylogenetic analyses, it was concluded that the new virus is a member of the genus Nepovirus, subgroup A. This new virus causing a leaf mottling disease of petunia was provisionally named Petunia chlorotic mottle virus (PCMoV).