# Coinfection of Gynura bicolor with a New Strain of Vanilla Distortion Mosaic Virus and a Novel Maculavirus in China

## TL;DR

A new strain of a known virus and a novel virus were found infecting a plant in China, with unique characteristics and transmission abilities.

## Contribution

Discovery of a novel virus, gynura bicolor maculavirus, and a new variant of vanilla distortion mosaic virus infecting Gynura bicolor.

## Key findings

- A novel virus, GBMV, was identified and classified as a new member of the genus Maculavirus.
- The VDMV isolate from G. bicolor is a new variant with 81.13% identity to its closest known strain.
- Both viruses were successfully transmitted to multiple plant species, causing visible symptoms.

## Abstract

In recent years, symptoms suggestive of viral infection have commonly occurred in Gynura bicolor in China. However, no viral genome infecting G. bicolor has been reported. This study applied high-throughput sequencing to plant samples with chlorotic spots in Sanya, Hainan. Viral sequences were confirmed using RT-PCR and RACE. Complete genomes of vanilla distortion mosaic virus (VDMV, Potyvirus vanillae) and an unknown virus were obtained. Sequence analysis indicated that the VDMV isolate from the G. bicolor is a novel variant. It shares 81.13% identity with its closest known strain. The unknown virus is phylogenetically related to maculaviruses but shares less than 76% nucleotide identity with other tymovirids. According to the ICTV, it should be classified as a new member of the genus Maculavirus. In this study, we provisionally designated the virus as gynura bicolor maculavirus (GBMV). Transmission electron microscopy revealed both filamentous and icosahedral virions in stems, but only filamentous virions in leaves. Quantitative RT-PCR showed high RNA accumulation of both viruses in the stems. GBMV levels were significantly lower in leaves. Dodder-mediated mechanical transmission successfully transferred VDMV and GBMV to Nicotiana occidentalis, Oenothera biennis, and Chenopodium amaranticolor. O. biennis developed chlorotic symptoms 15 days after dual infection.