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Properties of Strains of Sweet potato feathery mottle virus and Two Newly Recognized Potyviruses Infecting Sweet Potato in the United States

Some biological and molecular properties of six potyvirus isolates (LSU-1, -2, -3, and -5; 95-2; and 95-6) from sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) were evaluated. Isolates LSU-1 and -3 and 95-2 were transmitted by Aphis gossypii and Myzus persicae while LSU-2 and -5 were not transmitted by either aphid. The partial nucleotide sequence of the nuclear inclusion b (NIb) and the coat protein (CP) genes of these six isolates were compared with the corresponding sequences of 17 Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) strains and 18 other potyviruses. LSU-1 and -3 had high sequence similarity to the published sequences for Sweet potato virus G (SPVG), did not react with antisera to other known sweet potato viruses, and caused distinct symptoms. We propose to designate these two isolates as SPVG. This report documents the occurrence of this virus in the United States and provides the first characterization of its biological properties. LSU-2 and -5 were distinct in symptomatology; partial Nib, CP nucleotide, and derived amino acid sequence; and serology to other viruses. We propose to call this virus (LSU isolates 2 and 5) Ipomoea vein mosaic virus. The present study revealed a high degree of sequence similarity between 95-6 and the common strain of SPFMV, and between 95-2 and the russet crack strain of SPFMV. Results from this study suggest not only that at least two strains of SPFMV occur in the United States, but that two other potyviruses also are present.