Complete genome sequence of a putative new and distinct caulimovirus from Metaplexis japonica (Thunb.) Makino in China

In 2019, a new disease characterized by yellow mottling on leaves was observed on Metaplexis japonica (Thunb.) Makino plants in Liaoning, China. Using RNA sequencing and PCR with overlapping primers, the complete nucleotide sequence of the circular double-stranded DNA genome of a new virus similar to caulimoviruses in diseased samples was determined. The genome comprised 7733 base pairs and was predicted to encode six proteins. It had the closest relationship to a caulimovirus, strawberry vein banding virus, based on sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis. Species-level sequence divergences from caulimoviruses were also observed in the conserved genomic regions. A complete episomal viral genome sequence in symptomatic M. japonica plants was identified, and the name “metaplexis yellow mottle-associated virus” is proposed for this virus.