Metaviromic Characterization of Betaflexivirus Populations Associated with a Vitis cultivar Collection in South Africa

South Africa is associated with a centuries-old viticultural industry, accompanied by diverse range of wine and table grape cultivars an extensive history pervasive introductions vine material viruses. The Vitis D2 collection in Stellenbosch represents the most comprehensive species, hybrids, Africa. We collected leaf petiole from 229 accessions this collection. Our metaviromic analyses revealed total 406 complete/near complete genomes various betaflexiviruses. Among these, we identified presence grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus viruses A, B, E, F, H (GVH), I (GVI), M (GVM). Notably, study marks first report GVH, GVI, GVM Africa, which were confirmed via RT-PCR. This research significantly contributes to our understanding viral diversity African viticulture emphasizes need for vigilant monitoring management infections. findings lay groundwork strategies that mitigate impact on Africa’s generates annual revenue approximately 500 million USD.