Serological, molecular and phylogenetic analysis of Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) isolates collected in Southern-Benin

The rice yellow mottle is the best known viral disease of rice in Africa. It causes significant economic losses in farmer’s fields. The serological properties of Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) isolates, collected in Southern Benin, were assessed by immunological tests with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies (Pabs and MAbs). The isolates CP (Capsid protein) portions, obtained by RT-PCR, were sequenced and their amino-acids sequences were analyzed and used for phylogenetic analysis. Three different RYMV pathogenic groups, including three resistance breaking (RB) isolates (Be20, Be21 and Be27) which over came allele rymv1-5gene, were identified. Two serotypes Ser1/strain S1 and Ser2/ strain S2 were also distinguished. The molecular properties of the isolates CP gene and the phylogenetic characteristics indicated that the Southern Benin RYMV strain is heterogeneous. The strain S1-Benin linked to the West Central African lineage(S1-WCA) is related to strain from Togo and Niger, whereas, the strain S2 Benin is the stumps of the West African lineage (S1-WA) and is related to Mali, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast RYMV strains. These results reported the virus pathogenicity level and showed the relationships between RYMV strains in all Dahomey gap countries and in West and Central Africa. Keywords: serotypes, RYMV strains, RB isolates and phylogenetic analysis