Genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis of Maize Iranian mosaic virus isolates based on geographical distribution, host and type of symptoms

Maize Iranian mosaic virus (MIMV) is a distinct member of the genus Nucleorhabdovirus. The genetic diversity of maize Iranian mosaic virus (MIMV) isolates collected from different geographical regions of Iran, different hosts and different symptoms was determined during 2015-2016. Selection pressure analyses were also performed. Sequences of the nucleocapsid protein, glycoprotein, and a 500 bp fragment of polymerase genes and non-coding regions were determined. Genetic diversity in coding regions was less than 1.3 % in nucleocapsid protein and glycoprotein genes and 1 % in polymerase gene. The diversity in non-coding sequences was higher compared to ORFs especially between P and ORF 3 (up to 14.7 %). In phylogenetic analysis no correlation was found between MIMV isolates and geographical regions, type of symptoms and host differences. The ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous polymorphic sites indicated purifying selection has acted upon the analyzed genes. Likely, the dependence of MIMV on planthoppers for spreading can explain its low diversity. The information on the low genetic diversity of MIMV will be helpful in selection of maize cultivars with durable resistance