Molecular characterization of Cordyline virus 1 isolates infecting yam ( Dioscorea spp)

Cordyline virus 1 (CoV1) is a velarivirus that has so far only been reported in ornamental Ti plants ( Cordyline fruticosa ). Using high-throughput sequencing, we identified CoV1 infection in yam accessions from Vanuatu. Using a specific RT-PCR assay, we found that CoV1 is also present and highly prevalent in Dioscorea alata , D. cayenensis , and D. trifida in Guadeloupe. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CoV1 isolates infecting yam in Guadeloupe display a low level of molecular diversity. These data provide insights into the transmission of CoV1 in yam in Guadeloupe.