Molecular characterization and evolution of newly detected Australian and Brazilian dichorhaviruses and identification of their Brevipalpus mite vectors

Abstract

Brevipalpus mite-transmitted viruses (BTV) cause economically significant diseases in tropical crops such as citrus leprosis and coffee ringspot, and ornamental plants such as orchid fleck. Recently, several new BTVs in the new genus Dichorhavirus have been discovered and analyzed by the Brazilian team. Further, orchid fleck virus is known to occur in Australia and there is preliminary evidence of other dichorhaviruses being present. In this UQ-SPRINT cooperative project we will combine our trans-Pacific scientific expertise and resources to further characterize these BTVs. We will also survey ornamental and horticultural plants in southeast Queensland to determine presence of BTVs and mite vectors. This collaborative research and networking will significantly increase the currently limited knowledge on dichorhaviruses and their mite vectors in Australia and Brazil. This objective will be achieved through biological and molecular characterization of new BTVs as well as analysis of their genetic and evolutionary relatedness aimed at improving their taxonomic classification in the family Rhabdoviridae. We also aim to consolidate the recently established cooperative BTV research between UQ and USP/EMBRAPA in São Paulo State by developing a long-term collaborative research program including the reciprocal exchange of team leaders, early career researchers and postgraduate students. (AU)