Complete Genome Sequence and Characterization of Beet Western Yellows Virus in Figwort

Abstract

Background: Figwort (Scrophularia buergeriana Miq.) is a biennial plant, whose dried root has been used in traditional medicine. Here, we investigated a viral disease in S. buergeriana, characterized the disease symptoms, and sequenced the complete genome of the identified virus.<BR>Methods and Results: Disease symptoms and growth characteristics were compared between two groups of plants, that is, those that were grown from rootlets and those cultivated from seeds. Leaf samples were collected from both groups for RNA sequencing analysis. Primers were designed based on the obtained contig, and the complete genome sequence was determined via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and cloning. Viral symptoms were confirmed in figwort plants. The highest incidence of infections was observed at the end of July. The complete genome of Beet western yellows virus (BWYV) ADHS comprised 5,878 nucleotides and seven open reading frames. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequence of the complete genome confirmed that the BWYV ADHS isolate was related most closely to the LS isolate from Korea.<BR>Conclusions: This study is the first report of BWYV infection in figwort worldwide. The virus affects plant height and root weight. Control methods should be developed to minimize virus damage in figwort culture.