Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Potyvirus Infecting Miscanthus Sinensis (Silver Grass)

Abstract Here, we describe the full-length genome sequence of a novel potyvirus, tentatively named “miscanthus sinensis mosaic virus” (MsiMV), isolated from Miscanthus sinensis (silver grass) held in a post entry quarantine facility following its initial import into Western Australia, Australia. The MsiMV genome encompasses 9604 nucleotides (nt) encoding a 3071 amino acids (aa) polyprotein with conserved sequence motifs. The MsiMV genome is most closely related to sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV) with 74% nt and 78.5% aa sequence identity to the SrMV polyprotein region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the polyprotein grouped MsiMV with SrMV, sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV). This is the first report of a novel monopartite ssRNA virus in Miscanthus sinensis related to members of the genus Potyvirus in the family Potyviridae.