Characterization and Partial Genome Sequence of Stocky Prune Virus, a New Member of the Genus Cheravirus

Characterization of a seemingly new spherical virus isolated from severely affected plum trees in south-western France indicated that its divided genome is composed of two single-stranded, polyadenylated RNAs of approximately 7.4 and 3.7 kb. Its particles are composed of three coat protein subunits of approximately 23, 23.5, and 24.5 kDa. Partial sequencing of the genomic RNAs indicated that this new virus, tentatively named stocky prune virus (StPV), is distantly related to the two sequenced cheraviruses, cherry rasp leaf virus (CRLV) and apple latent spherical virus (ALSV). StPV should be regarded as a new member in the unassigned genus Cheravirus.