Characterizing the Virome of Apple Orchards Affected by Rapid Decline in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys of British Columbia (Canada).

ABSTRACT: Rapid apple decline disease (RAD) has been affecting orchards in the USA and Canada. Although the primary cause for RAD remains unknown, viruses may contribute to the incidence or severity of the disease. We examined the diversity and prevalence of viruses in orchards affected by RAD in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys (British Columbia, Canada). Next-generation sequencing identified 20 previously described plant viruses and one viroid, as well as a new ilarvirus, which we named apple ilarvirus 2 (AIV2). AIV2 was related to subgroup 2 ilarviruses (42-71% nucleotide sequence identity). RT-PCR assays of 148 individual leaf samples revealed frequent mixed infections, with up to eight viruses or viroid detected in a single tree. AIV2 was the most prevalent, detected in 64% of the samples.

SUBMITTER: Xiao H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9698585 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature