Full genome sequencing of Iranian isolate of Beet mosaic virus

Beet mosaic virus (BtMV), the only potyvirus infecting beets, is distributed worldwide in beet growing areas. Here we report the full-length genome sequence of a BtMV isolate from Iran (Ir-VRU), which has enabled us to better understanding the evolutionary history of the virus. The complete nucleotide sequence of Ir-VRU genome was determined using degenerate and specific primers and 5'-RACE and The complete genomes consisted of 9591 nucleotides, excluding the poly-A tails. The genome has a 165 nt 5´-UTR and a 168 nt 3´-UTR. The RNA of Ir-VRU potentially encodes a single polyprotein of 3086 amino acid residues and has a deduced genome organization typical for members of the genus Potyvirus. Study on five different BtMV isolates showed that Iranian isolate closelly related to German and Chinese isolates, and on the other hand, it showed more differences with American isolate. Phylogenetic analysis, along with other potyviruses, also presents the Ir-VRU as a member of the BCMV supergroup.