Characterization of a pothos (Scindapsus aureus) virus with unusual properties

Abstract

A virus for which the name of pothos latent virus (PoLV) is proposed, was isolated by inoculation of sap from symptomless plants of Scindapsus aureus. PoLV had isometric particles c. 30 nm in diameter, a monopartite genome consisting of a non polyadenylated, single-stranded RNA molecule c. 4,300 nucleotides in length, constituting c. 17% of the particle weight, and a single type of coat protein subunit with a M r of c. 40,000 Daltons. The biological properties (host range reactions) of PoLV resembled those of Tombusviridae for it infected most of the artificial hosts locally, inducing symptoms recalling those elicited by several species of the above family. Like tombus- and carmoviruses, PoLV had two subgenomic RNAs which, however, differed in size from those of both genera. The dsRNA pattern was also distinctly different. Cytopathological features recalled those of tombusviruses except for the lack of multivesicular inclusion bodies. PoLV was serologically related to, but distinct from two Carmovirus (i.e., galinsoga mosaic and Ahlum waterborne viruses) and three Tombusvirus species (i.e. eggplant mottled crinkle, Sikte waterborne and Lato river viruses). Thus, PoLV had properties somewhat intermediate between those of Tombusvirus and Carmovirus genera but bridged the two taxa through the serological relationship with some of their species. The taxonomic position of PoLV is still undetermined. It must await the results of molecular investigations now underway. © 1995 Kluwer Academic Publishers.