# Old and New Aphid-Borne Viruses in Coriander in Chile: An Epidemiological Approach

## TL;DR

This study identifies multiple aphid-borne viruses in coriander in Chile, including a new virus, and highlights the role of weeds as virus reservoirs.

## Contribution

The discovery of a new cytorhabdovirus and the documentation of multiple aphid-borne viruses in coriander and surrounding weeds.

## Key findings

- RNA-Seq analysis revealed seven viruses in coriander, including a new cytorhabdovirus.
- Aphids and weeds were found to carry the same viruses, suggesting their role as reservoirs.
- Alfalfa mosaic virus was also detected in aphids and weeds around coriander fields.

## Abstract

In Chile, edible herbs are mainly grown by small farmers. This type of horticultural crop typically requires intensive management because it is highly susceptible to insects, some of which transmit viruses that severely affect crop yield and quality. In 2019, in coriander plants tested negative for all previously reported viruses, RNA-Seq analysis of one symptomatic plant revealed a plethora of viruses, including one virus known to infect coriander, five viruses never reported in coriander, and a new cytorhabdovirus with a 14,180 nucleotide RNA genome for which the species name Cytorhabdovirus coriandrum was proposed. Since all the detected viruses were aphid-borne, aphids and weeds commonly growing around the coriander field were screened for viruses. The results showed the occurrence of the same seven viruses and the alfalfa mosaic virus, another aphid-borne virus, in aphids and weeds. Together, our findings document the presence of multiple viruses in coriander and the potential role of weeds as virus reservoirs for aphid acquisition.