Open AccessViromics unveils extraordinary genetic diversity of the family Closteroviridae in wild citrus
Author(s) -
Qiyan Liu,
Song Zhang,
Shiqiang Mei,
Yan Zhou,
Jianhua Wang,
Guan-Zhu Han,
Lei Chen,
Changyong Zhou,
Mengji Cao
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos pathogens
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.719
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1553-7374
pISSN - 1553-7366
DOI - 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009751
Subject(s) - citrus tristeza virus , biology , genetic diversity , virus , virology , genetics , plant virus , population , demography , sociology
Our knowledge of citrus viruses is largely skewed toward virus pathology in cultivated orchards. Little is known about the virus diversity in wild citrus species. Here, we used a metatranscriptomics approach to characterize the virus diversity in a wild citrus habitat within the proposed center of the origin of citrus plants. We discovered a total of 44 virus isolates that could be classified into species Citrus tristeza virus and putative species citrus associated ampelovirus 1, citrus associated ampelovirus 2, and citrus virus B within the family Closteroviridae , providing important information to explore the factors facilitating outbreaks of citrus viruses and the evolutionary history of the family Closteroviridae . We found that frequent horizontal gene transfer, gene duplication, and alteration of expression strategy have shaped the genome complexity and diversification of the family Closteroviridae . Recombination frequently occurred among distinct Closteroviridae members, thereby facilitating the evolution of Closteroviridae . Given the potential emergence of similar wild-citrus-originated novel viruses as pathogens, the need for surveillance of their pathogenic and epidemiological characteristics is of utmost priority for global citrus production.