AUTHOR=Xin Min , Cao Mengji , Liu Wenwen , Ren Yingdang , Zhou Xueping , Wang Xifeng 

TITLE=Two Negative-Strand RNA Viruses Identified in Watermelon Represent a Novel Clade in the Order Bunyavirales

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2017

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2017.01514

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2017.01514

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>Two novel negative-sense, single-stranded (ss) RNA viruses were identified in watermelon plants and named watermelon crinkle leaf-associated virus 1 and 2 (WCLaV-1 and -2), respectively. The multipartite genomes consist of three RNA molecules of ~6.8, 1.4, and 1.3 kb. The genomes and the deduced proteins of RNA1 and RNA3 show features resembling those of members in the genus <italic>Phlebovirus</italic> and <italic>Tenuivirus</italic>; however, the predicted proteins encoded by RNA2 are related to the movement protein (MP) in the genus <italic>Ophiovirus</italic> and <italic>Emaravirus</italic>. Furthermore, these two viruses define a novel clade in the family <italic>Phenuiviridae</italic>, order <italic>Bunyavirales</italic>, which is phylogenetically related to the viruses in the above four genera. Moreover, after mechanical inoculation with WCLaV-1 seedlings of the natural host watermelon plants develop crinkling similar to those observed in the field. These findings enhance our understanding of the evolution and the classification of ssRNA viruses.</p>