Complete genome sequence of broad bean true mosaic virus

Advancing broad bean true mosaic virus detection using conventional RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR with novel primer set design

Broad bean true mosaic virus (BBTMV) infects broad beans and peas, reducing yield. As BBTMV is transmitted through broad beans, many countries have implemented regulations to prevent the distribution of infected seeds. Currently, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is commonly used to detect BBTMV. While the PCR-based method is preferred for seed virus detection due to its sensitivity and speed. A BBTMV-specific PCR detection method has not yet been reported. A universal detection method currently exists that utilizes reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) for the Comovirus genus, to which BBTMV belongs. However, sequence analysis is required for species identification. To address this limitation, we developed and verified RT-PCR detection methods using newly designed BBTMV-specific primers. RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR with these primers were approximately 5 × 105-106 times more sensitive than ELISA and 100-1000 times more sensitive than previously reported RT-PCR methods. Using RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR employing these primers, we could detect BBTMV with same sensitivity when more than 3.0 × 105 copies were present per gram of broad bean seeds. Our newly developed detection methods can test for BBTMV with high sensitivity and speed.

High-Throughput Sequencing Facilitates Discovery of New Plant Viruses in Poland

Viruses cause epidemics on all major crops of agronomic importance, and a timely and accurate identification is essential for control. High throughput sequencing (HTS) is a technology that allows the identification of all viruses without prior knowledge on the targeted pathogens. In this paper, we used HTS technique for the detection and identification of different viral species occurring in single and mixed infections in plants in Poland. We analysed various host plants representing different families. Within the 20 tested samples, we identified a total of 13 different virus species, including those whose presence has not been reported in Poland before: clover yellow mosaic virus (ClYMV) and melandrium yellow fleck virus (MYFV). Due to this new finding, the obtained sequences were compared with others retrieved from GenBank. In addition, cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) was also detected, and due to the recent occurrence of this virus in Poland, a phylogenetic analysis of these new isolates was performed. The analysis revealed that CABYV population is highly diverse and the Polish isolates of CABYV belong to two different phylogenetic groups. Our results showed that HTS-based technology is a valuable diagnostic tool for the identification of different virus species originating from variable hosts, and can provide rapid information about the spectrum of plant viruses previously not detected in a region.