Characterization of a potyvirus isolated from Tradescantia fluminensis in northern Italy

We isolated a potyvirus from Tradescantia fluminensis that was causing leaf distortion and mild mosaic. We cloned and sequenced a 1500 bp cDNA obtained through RT-PCR corresponding to the 3' proximal region of the genome. We determined the host range and tested a series of potyviral antisera against our Tradescantia virus isolate through immuno-enzymatic methods. Based on our results, we suggest that viral isolate could be considered a new potyvirus species named Tradescantia mild mosaic potyvirus. When considering percentage of identity of the coding region corresponding to the part of the NIb-CP polyprotein, Tradescantia mild mosaic potyvirus is most closely related to Shallot yellow stripe potyvirus and Onion yellow dwarf potyvirus. Phylogenetic placement among the Potyvirus genus is discussed. Monocotyledonous plants belonging to the Commelinaceae family