Low genetic diversity of Squash vein yellowing virus in wild and cultivated cucurbits in the U.S. suggests a recent introduction

Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV) isolates were collected from cultivated and weedy cucurbits representing major hosts and locations in the U.S. and analyzed to better understand the diversity and population structure. No differences in symptoms were observed in field-collected isolate source plants or subsequently inoculated greenhouse plants, and the complete genome of an SqVYV isolate from a wild cucurbit host (smellmelon, Cucumis melo var. dudaim) was highly similar (99.4% nucleotide identity, 99.3% amino acid identity) to the previously published type isolate from squash. Although analysis of the coat protein (CP) and two serine proteases (P1a and P1b) sequences for 41 isolates showed little diversity across seven years of sampling, it revealed two distinct groups of SqVYV isolates with low intra-group diversity. Our analyses also suggested that recombination had occurred between SqVYV isolates, similar to other ipomoviruses. Selection pressures on the genome regions analyzed were negative indicating purifying selection was occurring. The magnitude of negative selection in SqVYV was consistent with what has been reported for other ipomoviruses, and was greatest for the CP and least for the P1b. The observed genetic diversity was similar to that reported for Cucumber vein yellowing virus but less than that reported for Sweet potato mild mottle virus, Cassava brown streak virus and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus. Collectively, these results indicate that the current U.S. population of SqVYV has undergone a recent genetic bottleneck and was introduced from elsewhere.

► Biological properties of SqVYV isolates similar across isolates analyzed. ► Genetic analysis of SqVYV isolates indicated two groups, each with low diversity. ► Results imply recent introduction of SqVYV to U.S.