Genetic variability of the coat protein gene of isolates of Citrus variegation virus from Campania (southern Italy)

Abstract

Six new sequences of the coat protein (CP) gene of Citrus variegation virus (CVV) isolates, some producing crinkly leaf symptoms and some asymptomatic, and collected in Campania (southern Italy), are presented. Comparison with previously reported CP gene sequences of isolates from various locations worldwide confirmed a high degree of coat protein gene conservation in Campania (lowest similarity among all CVV sequences 92.4%). No relationship was found between amino-acid substitutions and host species or symptoms. Phylogenetic analysis proved that CP sequences from Campania isolates clustered in a new group when compared to those reported in the data bank.