Phylogenetic Distribution of DMV-D10, an Endogenous Strain of Dahlia Mosaic Virus, in Members of Asteraceae

DMV-D10 is a strain of Dahlia mosaic virus (DMV) that is classified as an endogenous virus and does not induce any visible symptoms in the host plant. Endogenous viruses have the ability to integrate their viral sequences into the host plant genome, which can be transmitted to offspring. No studies have examined the host range of DMV-D10 outside of the Dahlia genus. Because DMV-D10 has only been observed in Dahlia, the objective for this study was to determine if presence of DMV-D10 follows an evolutionary relationship among species closely related to Dahlia. An addition objective of this study was to determine if species infected with DMV-D10 may also be infected with Dahlia common mosaic virus (DCMV) because these plant viruses are closely related. It was hypothesized species in the same tribe (Coreopsideae) as Dahlia were more likely to be infected with DMV-D10 compared to species in other Asteraceae tribes. Ten tribes consisting of thirty-five species were collected, and DNA was extracted to determine DMV-D10 infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results for a movement protein gene indicate DMV-D10 is widely spread across Asteraceae. Specifically, gel electrophoresis results suggest presence of DMV-D10 in thirteen species across seven tribes. Additionally, DCMV was detected in six species across five tribes of Asteraceae. Although, phylogenetic relationship of host plants does not necessarily determine DMV-D10 infection. This leads to questions of how this virus can move to species in other Asteraceae tribes. Some potential hypotheses include pollen transmission or possible plant-virus coevolution.