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Title: Poinsettia latent virus is not a cryptic virus, but a natural polerovirus-sobemovirus hybrid

Journal Article · · Virology
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Biologisches Institut, Abteilung fuer Molekularbiologie und Virologie der Pflanzen, Universitaet Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, D-70550 Stuttgart (Germany)

The biochemical and genetic features of Poinsettia latent virus (PnLV, formerly named Poinsettia cryptic virus), which is spread worldwide in commercial cultivars of Euphorbia pulcherrima without inducing symptoms, have been determined using virus-purification, immunological techniques, electron microscopy, cloning, and sequencing. PnLV was found to be a chimeric virus with one 4652 bases, plus strand RNA showing a close relationship to poleroviruses within the first three quarters of its genome but to sobemoviruses in the last quarter. Thus, we propose to classify this virus as 'polemovirus'. Similarities of protein and nucleic acid sequences at the 5' and extreme 3' end of its RNA suggest a replication mode like that of poleroviruses, whereas the coat protein sequence is closely related to that of sobemoviruses. Consistent with these results, PnLV forms stable icosahedra of 34 nm in diameter. The consequences for the taxonomy of PnLV and for gardeners' practice are discussed.

OSTI ID:
20726030
Journal Information:
Virology, Vol. 336, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2005.03.020; PII: S0042-6822(05)00178-9; Copyright (c) 2005 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0042-6822
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English