A new begomovirus species infecting Alternanthera philoxeroides
A virus designated Hn51 was isolated in 2004 from Alternanthera philoxeroides showing yellow vein symptoms in Hainan Province (China). Molecular data showed that Hn51 was a new begomovirus species, for which the name Alternanthera yellow vein virus was proposed. In recent years, several begomoviruses have been reported infecting squash, tobacco and tomato in China. Weeds carry the viruses either as alternate and/or reservoir hosts. A. philoxeroides is an aquatic mat-forming perennial weed that can grow in a variety of habitats. This is the first report of a begomovirus infecting an aquatic plant. Although A. philoxeroides originates from South America, the genome of Alternanthera yellow vein virus has higher sequence similarities with begomoviruses found in Asia. This eliminates the possibilities that the begomovirus has been introduced into China with its host. The fact that A. philoxeroides which escaped cultivation and became invasive could be infected by this virus is an additional threat.
Sources
Guo X, Zhou X (2005) Molecular characterization of Alternanthera yellow vein virus: a new Begomovirus species infecting Alternanthera philoxeroides. Journal of Phytopathology, 153, 694-696