Search

Viruses are most frequently discovered because they cause disease. To expand knowledge of plant-associated viruses beyond these narrow constraints, non-cultivated plants of the Tallgrass Prairie of the United States were systematically surveyed for evidence of viruses. This report discusses putative viruses of the family Secoviridae identified by the survey. Sequence analysis suggests the presence of at least six viruses in the study site, including Bean pod mottle virus, Maize chlorotic dwarf virus, three previously undescribed viruses within the subfamily Comovirinae and one unclassifiable virus., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The diversity of viruses associated with non-cultivated plants was assessed from plant samples collected in the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve of northeastern Oklahoma, USA. The samples were processed to determine the sequences of nucleic acids extracted from the virus-like particle fraction of plant homogenates. Sequences from 95 specimens of 52 plant species included those of probable origin from the genomes of plants (including retroelements), bacteria, fungi, other organisms, and viruses. Virus-like sequences were identified in sequences from 25% of the specimens, coming from 19% of the plant species. Evidence of a member of the genus Tymovirus was found in 16 specimens of 6 plant species, making it the most predominant virus associated with the sampled plants. There was evidence of the presence of more than one virus in each of six specimens.