Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is among the most widespread plant viruses, infecting over a thousand plant species, including Catharanthus roseus, a medicinal plant valued for producing the anticancer alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine. Despite its economic significance, genomic information on CMV infecting C. roseus in India has been lacking. In this study, we employed small RNA deep sequencing integrated with advanced bioinformatics to generate the first complete genome of CMV infecting C. roseus in India, followed by validation through RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. The reconstructed tripartite CMV genome encodes replication, silencing suppressor, movement, and coat proteins, consistent with known genomic organization. Sequence identity and phylogenetic analyses revealed a close relationship with Iranian tobacco isolates, placing the Indian isolate (CR8-JH) within subgroup IB. Recombination analysis indicated inter-fragmental recombination events, while mutational profiling highlighted natural variation, particularly in genes associated with host interaction. Conserved UTR motifs were identified, suggesting functional roles in viral replication and genome stability. By applying next-generation sequencing for accurate viral detection and characterization, this study enhances diagnostic capacity and contributes to technology-driven, sustainable plant disease management.
Abbas et al. (Thu,) studied this question.