Discovery and genome analysis of Yunxiao leafhopper virus 1 in Recilia dorsalis.

Abstract

In this study, we report the discovery of a novel virus, Yunxiao leafhopper virus 1 (YXLeV1), found in the insect vector Recilia dorsalis, a significant pest of rice crop. The complete genome of YXLeV1, consisting of 14,115 bp, was sequenced and analyzed. The whole viral genome shares only 36.32% identity with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of Hubei diptera virus 11, belonging to genus Alasvirus. It contains four open reading frames encoding a nucleoprotein (N), a hypothetical protein (p78) of unknown function, a glycoprotein (G), and an RNA-dependent RdRp. The N, G, and RdRp proteins of YXLeV1 share 22.0%, 34.05%, and 36.32% amino acid sequence identity with the corresponding sequence of Hubei diptera virus 11. As per the genus demarcation criteria of the family Xinmoviridae, viruses sharing less than 60% amino acid identity in the RdRp sequence with known members are considered to belong to new genera, so the observed 36.32% identity between YXLeV1 and Hubei diptera virus 11 supports the classification of YXLeV1 as the first member of a novel genus, which we propose to name Recilivirus. Phylogenetic analysis further confirms that YXLeV1 is distantly related to Hubei diptera virus 11, the sole member of the genus Alasvirus, and forms a separate clade supporting its classification as a member of a new genus. Given the ecological significance of R. dorsalis as a vector, this discovery adds to the catalog of viruses associated with this species and contributes to our understanding of virus vector associations.