Nucleotide sequence of Blackberry yellow vein associated virus, a novel member of the Closteroviridae

Abstract

The complete nucleotide sequence of a novel member of the genus Crinivirus (family Closteroviridae), isolated from blackberry and tentatively named Blackberry yellow vein associated virus, was determined. The virus possesses a bipartite genome. RNA 1 is 7801 nucleotides in length and papain-like protease, methyltransferase, RNA helicase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase motifs have been identified in the proteins coded for by this molecule. The polymerase is probably expressed via a +1 ribosomal frameshift, a common feature among members of the Closteroviridae. RNA 2 is 7917 nucleotides long and encodes nine open reading frames, similar in size and position to orthologous genes of other criniviruses with the exception of a second hydrophobic peptide found near the 5′ terminus of the molecule. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between Blackberry yellow vein associated virus and Beet pseudo yellows virus, another crinivirus that infects small fruit crops.