Effects of the mutation of selected genes of Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus on infectivity, symptoms and the maintenance of Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite

► Four virus genes were mutated to assess requirement for maintenance of a betasatellite. ► Mutation of the coat protein (CP) abolished infectivity. ► Mutation of V2 and C2 genes abolished symptoms and impaired the maintenance of the betasatellite. ► Mutation of the C4 gene affected only virus symptoms. ► CP, V2 and C2 likely play a part in maintenance of the betasatellite.