Detection and genetic variability of E uropean mountain ash ringspot‐associated virus ( EMAR a V ) in S weden

Summary European mountain ash ringspot‐associated virus ( EMAR a V ) is a plant virus inducing characteristic ringspots and mottling in S orbus aucuparia L . For the first time, EMAR a V was detected in mountain ash in S weden. All four genomic segments of the virus were detectable by RT ‐ PCR after total RNA extraction from leaves showing chlorotic ringspots, mottling or necrotic lesions. The samples originated from southern and northern S weden. Sequence analyses of amplified fragments revealed low genetic variability of the virus at nucleotide as well as protein level. All investigated coding regions of EMAR a V were under strong purifying selection pressure.