Pepper yellow mosaic virus, a new potyvirus in sweetpepper, Capsicum annuum

Summary.

 A potyvirus was found causing yellow mosaic and veinal banding in sweetpepper in Central and Southeast Brazil. The sequence analysis of the 3′ terminal region of the viral RNA revealed a coat protein of 278 amino acids, followed by 275 nucleotides in the 3′-untranslated region preceding a polyadenylated tail. The virus shared 77.4% coat protein amino acid identity with Pepper severe mosaic virus, the closest Potyvirus species. The 3′-untranslated region was highly divergent from other potyviruses. Based on these results, the virus found in sweetpepper plants could be considered as a new potyvirus. The name Pepper yellow mosaic virus (PepYMV) is suggested.