Molecular characterization of a novel fusarivirus infecting the plant-pathogenic fungus Alternaria solani

A novel mycovirus belonging to the proposed family “Fusariviridae” was discovered in Alternaria solani by sequencing a cDNA corresponding double-stranded RNA extracted from this phytopathogenic fungus. The virus tentatively named “Alternaria fusarivirus 1” (AsFV1). AsFV1 has single-stranded positive-sense (+ssRNA) genome of 6845 nucleotides containing three open reading frames (ORFs) and poly(A) tail. largest ORF, ORF1, encodes large polypeptide 1,556 amino acids (aa) with conserved RNA-dependent polymerase helicase domains. ORF2 ORF3 have overlapping regions, encoding putative protein 522 105 (aa), respectively, both unknown function. multiple sequence alignment phylogenetic analysis revealed that could be new member “Fusariviridae”. This is first report full-length nucleotide infects solani.