Detection, characterization, and occurrence of black pepper virus F in black pepper plants in Brazil

Black pepper is an important crop in Brazil and until now, the occurrence of two viruses in this plant species were reported in the country: cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and piper yellow mottle virus (PYMoV). From the viral semi-purification sample using leaves of black pepper plant cv. Perunkoides showing chlorosis symptom, isometric particles that were not related to CMV were found by transmission electron microscopy. Thus, total RNA from the leaf samples were sequenced by high-throughput sequencing to identify new viruses. The complete genome sequence of the black pepper virus F (BPVF) in the genus Fabavirus , firstly sequenced in China recently, were assembled and named as BR-PA isolate of BPVF. The genome sequence was also confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The BPVF from China and BR-PA isolate shared 98.3% amino acid sequence identity for protease-polymerase (Pro-Pol) and 97.8% for two coat proteins (CPs), respectively. The virus occurrence was confirmed by RT-PCR using field samples of black pepper plants. From the total of 105 plants, 66.66% were positive for BPVF in five municipalities in the State of Pará. Until now, this virus was found only in China and Brazil.