Differentiation and validation of mild and severe strains of citrus tristeza virus through codon usage bias, host adaptation, and biochemical profiling.

ABSTRACT: Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is one of the most economically significant citrus pathogens, causing epidemics worldwide. It comprises strains ranging from asymptomatic mild variants to highly virulent severe forms. However, the molecular basis distinguishing mild from severe strains remains poorly characterized. To understand these mechanisms, a total of fifty eight citrus samples were screened using RT-PCR targeting the coat protein gene, with forty seven testing positive for CTV. Analysis of Codon Usage Bias (CUB) revealed that both mutation pressure and natural selection influence codon preferences, with natural selection playing the dominant role. Hierarchical clustering dendrogram based on Effective Number of Codons (ENc) values reveals twenty mild-like isolates and twenty seven severe

SUBMITTER: Khatoon H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12521140 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature