Detection and phylogenetic analysis of Iranian Fig mosaic emaravirus isolates on the basis of the gene encoding Nucleocapsid protein (NP)

Fig mosaic emaravirus (FMV)is considered as one of the main causal agents of Fig Mosaic Disease complex (FMD). In order to detection and identification of FMV in different regions of Iran and better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships between isolates, a number of 54 symptomatic fig leaves with chlorosis and mosaic symptoms were collected from different fig-growing areas in the center, north and south of Iran. Primary detection for all collected samples performed by DAS-ELISA using polyclonal AP-conjugated antibody which was raised against nucleocapsid protein of FMV positive samples in DAS-ELISA were checked by RT-PCR using NP gene specific primers. The amplified fragments of 14 isolates were cloned and sequenced. DAS-ELISA results indicated to a 55.5%FMV infection of collected isolates. Phylogenetic analysis on the basis of nucleotide sequences categorized the isolates in two main groups in which isolates from the center and northern regions of Iran placed in a separate subgroup beside other isolates from other countries which their complete coding sequences were available in GenBank of NCBI whereas the isolates from south of Fars province (Estahban and Jahrum districts) clustered in a separate phylogenetic group distinct from other Iranian and the world isolates which may show that genetic makeup of FMV may be affected by geographical isolation. A significant correlation between symptoms severity and phylogenetic groups observed that may put forward the probability of having a new viral strains in Fars province.