Genome sequence of new isolates of sesame curly top virus in Kerman province and identification of new hosts of the virus

Sesame curly top virus (SeCTV) is a new species in the genus Turncurtovirus (family Geminiviridae). To date, sesame was the only natural host of the virus. During a survey for identification of geminiviruses infecting crop, vegetable or ornamental plants in south-eastern Iran, the sesame curly top virus infection of alfalfa, bean, eggplant, faba bean, blanket flower, radish and watermelon was confirmed by PCR and sequencing. The full-length genome of seven new SeCTV isolates share >97 and ~87-88% nucleotide identity with other sequences from Iran and Pakistan, respectively. An infectious clone of SeCTV was constructed, biolistically-or Rhizobium-inoculated to several host plant species and the pathogenesis of the virus was demonstrated. Results of this study indicated that, similar to known turncurtoviruses, SeCTV has a wide natural host range in Iran and among the alternative hosts, the rate of infection and severity of disease in watermelon are remarkable.