Molecular analysis of double-stranded RNAs reveals complex infection of grapevines with multiple viruses

The table grape variety “Waltham Cross” was infected with Leafroll and Shiraz Disease. To reveal specific viruses that are associated with the diseased plants, we used an RT-PCR-based strategy to determine partial genome sequences of these viruses. Upon cloning and sequencing of the RT-PCR products, we detected seven groups of viral variants that are related to four species of the Closteroviridae: Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 1, 2, 3, and 5, in addition to Rupestris stem pitting-associated virus. The population composition of GLRaV-2 and GLRaV-3-like viruses is complex and consists of two or three distinct groups of viral variants. Based on the consensus sequence of several GLRaV-2 strains, we designed a pair of broad-spectrum primers (GLR2-4 and GLR2-5) and used them to detect a range of GLRaV-2 variants from “Waltham Cross”. Moreover, we identified a novel group of viral variants from the diseased grapevines, which possess a stretch of 19 nucleotides inserted in the 3′ non-coding region as compared to strain “PN” and “93/955” for which the complete genomes have been sequenced. In contrast, the population composition of GLRaV-1 and GLRaV-5-like virus seems to be more uniform and each consists of a single viral variant. Furthermore, the central 5.7 kb genomic region encompassing ORF1b-ORF4 of the GLRaV-1 isolate detected in “Waltham Cross” was sequenced. The new isolate is designated GLRaV-1 “WC”, which differs from GLRaV-1 “Type” by 16% in nucleotide sequence. The taxonomic standing of the GLRaV-5-like and GLRaV-3-like viruses detected in “Waltham Cross” is discussed.