P-505 - Identification of a distinct N-terminal coat protein sequence in the Zantedeschia mild mosaic virus Taiwan strain

Monday, August 4, 2025

4:30 PM - 5:15 PM HST

Location: Exhibit Hall 3

Author(s)

CL

Ching- yi Lin

Chiayi Agricultural Experiment Branch, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)
Chiayi, Chiayi, Taiwan (Republic of China)
CC

Chin-Chih Chen

Associate Researcher
TARI
Taichung, Taichung, Taiwan (Republic of China)

Presenting Author(s)

HC

Ho-Hsiung Chang

Assistant Professor
Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University
Taichung, Taichung, Taiwan (Republic of China)

Abstract Text: Zantedeschia mild mosaic virus (ZaMMV) was first identified in 2001 and has become prevalent in calla-growing areas in Taiwan. In this study, 150 calla lily leaf samples displaying virus-like symptoms were collected from three major calla lily-growing areas in Taiwan between 2023 and 2024. Results of ELISA revealed that the incidence of ZaMMV in samples from Shengang, Holi, and Yangmingshan was 30.8%, 80.3%, and 14.8%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis with the 3’-terminal regions of partial ZaMMV sequences from the collected samples, along with sequences from the GenBank database, revealed that ZaMMV populations clustered into three groups: Taiwan, New Zealand, and Australia strains. Sequence analysis showed that 12 of the 15 ZaMMV isolates were closely related to the ZaMMV Taiwan strain (Accession no. AY518550), sharing nucleotide identities of 99.5-100%. Three other isolates were closely associated with the ZaMMV New Zealand strain (Accession no. EU532065), sharing nucleotide identities of 91.7-92.2%. Amino acid comparisons indicated that isolates grouped in the ZaMMV Taiwan strain contained the Q-rich sequence at the N-terminus of the CP, whereas other strains did not. Our field-survey suggests that in addition to the ZaMMV Taiwan strain, the New Zealand strain is also present in calla lilies in Taiwan. Furthermore, the unique Q-rich sequence at the N-terminus of the CP is found exclusively in the ZaMMV Taiwan isolates. However, further research is needed to figure out its functions and evolutionary significances.