Analysis of the Nucleotide Sequence of the Treehopper-transmitted Geminivirus, Tomato Pseudo-curly Top Virus, Suggests a Recombinant Origin

The genome of tomato pseudo-curly top virus (TPCTV), originating from Florida, has been cloned and sequenced. TPCTV is the only geminivirus identified with a vector specificity which falls outside the Cicadellidae (leafhoppers) and Aleyrodidae (whiteflies). Infectivity of the cloned viral genome was demonstrated by Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation of several host species. Progeny virus was transmissible by the treehopper vector of TPCTV, Micrutalis malleifera (Fowler). The genome of TPCTV shows features typical of both subgroups I and III genera of the family Geminiviridae. The coat protein of TPCTV, although distinct from all previously characterized geminiviruses, exhibits features more akin to the leafhopper-transmitted geminiviruses than those transmissible by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Genn. The relationship of TPCTV to other geminiviruses, particularly beet curly top virus, is discussed in relation to the possible evolutionary origins of this virus.