Two tymoviruses were identified in plants of
Diascia ×
hybrida ‘Sun Chimes™ Coral’ that exhibited chlorotic mottling and reduced growth. A strain of Nemesia ring necrosis virus (NeRNV)
designated NeRNV-WA was detected in symptomatic plants; the deduced amino acid sequence is virtually identical to that of
the previously reported NeRNV-Nf from
Nemesia fruticosa. Sequence analysis also revealed the presence of a new tymovirus, and the entire genomic sequence of this virus was determined.
The genome of 6,290 nucleotides was organized into three potential open reading frames (ORFs) typical of viruses in the genus
Tymovirus. Based on sequence identity to tymovirus sequences, ORFs I to III encoded the replicase, movement protein and coat protein,
respectively. Amino acid sequence identities to those of NeRNV-Nf were 84.8, 50.3 and 94.8%, respectively. The 5′-untranslated
region could potentially form four hairpin structures. Secondary structure analysis of the 3′-terminus showed that the RNA
can form a transfer-RNA-like structure that has an anticodon specific for histidine. Only 77.9% nucleotide identity was found
when complete genomic sequences of this tymovirus from diascia and NeRNV-Nf were compared. The name Diascia yellow mottle
virus (DiaYMV) is proposed for this new tymovirus.
Sequences reported here are available in GenBank as DiaYMV: accession number EU684141 and NeRNV-WA: accession number EU684142.