Complete genome sequence of a new beny-like virus from winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in France

Here, we report the discovery of a new beny-like virus in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants collected in the Brittany and Burgundy regions of France in spring 2022, using a high-throughput sequencing approach. A complete genome sequence, comprising two genomic RNAs of 6734 nt (RNA1) and 4856 nt (RNA2) was obtained. This genome shows a typical benyvirus organization, with the RNA1 encoding a large replication-associated protein and the RNA2 encoding, from 5' to 3', the coat protein and its readthrough domain and a triple gene block. Pairwise sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis showed that the new virus is a member of the family Benyviridae and that its closest relatives are the recently described beny-like virus wheat stripe mosaic virus and, somewhat more distantly, other recognized benyviruses. Creation of a new species to accommodate the new virus, with the proposed common name "wheat beny-like virus 1" (WBLV1), is suggested, either in the genus Benyvirus or in another genus to be created within the family Benyviridae. Given that WBLV1 was identified in plants that were coinfected by other viruses, no conclusions can be drawn at this stage on its potential pathogenicity.