Genome characterization of three Alstroemeria necrotic streak orthotospovirus (ANSV) isolates naturally infecting bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) in Antioquia (Colombia)

Abstract

Alstroemeria necrotic streak virus (ANSV) is a new orthotospovirus first discovered in ornamental Alstroemeria plants from Colombia. This virus is related to members of the American clade of orthotospoviruses and has been shown to naturally infect lulo (Solanum quitoense), tomato (S. lycopersicum) and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) crops in the provinces of Antioquia and Risaralda in Colombia. Symptoms associated with ANSV infection include necrotic streaks on leaves and stems, necrotic rings and veinal necrosis. Evidence for the existence of ANSV was supported by partial sequencing of genome segments S and L of this virus and, more recently, with the complete genome sequencing of an ANSV isolate infecting lulo. In this work we demonstrate the widespread presence of ANSV in bell pepper crops in Antioquia using high-throughput sequencing and describe the complete genome sequence of three ANSV isolates naturally infecting bell pepper in eastern Antioquia. The presence of ANSV was further confirmed using RT-PCR and a new set of RT-qPCR primers for specific detection of this virus.