Molecular characterisation of a novel citrus-infecting emaravirus, citrus emaravirus 1.

The application of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has accelerated the discovery of novel viruses and the genome sequencing of poorly characterised viruses in fruit crops, revealing a greater complexity of plant viromes than previously understood. Here, we report the identification and genomic characterisation of a novel emaravirus, tentatively named "citrus emaravirus 1" (CiEV1), from Citrus limon leaves collected in the North West Province of South Africa. HTS analysis identified contigs corresponding to the four conserved emaravirus genomic segments (RNA1-RNA4), each encoding characteristic proteins: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, glycoprotein, nucleocapsid, and movement protein. Comparison of terminal sequences and phylogenetic analysis suggest placing CiEV1 within clade D of the genus Emaravirus (family Fimoviridae). To date, no association with symptoms has been identified. This is the first report of an emaravirus detected in citrus, expanding the known host range of the genus and contributing to the growing evidence of viral diversity in citrus. Further investigation is required to determine the epidemiological significance of CiEV1 in citrus orchards.