Molecular characterization of a divergent genetic variant of wheat Eqlid mosaic virus from a Texas wheat field.

Investigations conducted during the spring 2020 season to diagnose the associated viral agent of a severe mosaic disease of wheat in a Texas Panhandle field revealed the presence of wheat Eqlid mosaic virus (WEqMV; genus Tritimovirus, family Potyviridae) in the analyzed samples. The complete genome sequences of two WEqMV isolates were determined, and each was found to be 9,634 nucleotides (nt) in length (excluding the polyA tail) and to contain 5' and 3' untranslated regions of 135 nt and 169 nt, respectively, based on rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) assays. Both sequences contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 9,330 nt encoding a polyprotein of 3,109 amino acids (aa).

Grapevine Badnavirus 1: Detection, Genetic Diversity, and Distribution in Croatia.

Grapevine badnavirus 1 (GBV-1) was recently discovered in grapevine using high throughput sequencing. In order to carry out large-scale testing that will allow for better insights into virus distribution, conventional and real-time PCR assays were developed using sequences both from previously known, and four newly characterized isolates. Throughout the growing season and dormancy, GBV-1 can be detected by real-time PCR using available tissue, with the possibility of false-negative results early in vegetation growth.

Quality Assessment and Validation of High-Throughput Sequencing for Grapevine Virus Diagnostics.

Development of High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS), also known as next generation sequencing, revolutionized diagnostic research of plant viruses. HTS outperforms bioassays and molecular diagnostic assays that are used to screen domestic and quarantine grapevine materials in data throughput, cost, scalability, and detection of novel and highly variant virus species. However, before HTS-based assays can be routinely used for plant virus diagnostics, performance specifications need to be developed and assessed.