Molecular characterization of GSyV-1 and GLRaV-3 and prevalence of grapevine viruses in a grape-growing area.

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of viruses in 119 samples from 32 grapevine cultivars, collected from nine vineyards in a specific grape-growing area in southeastern Brazil, perform a partial molecular characterization of 14 isolates of Grapevine Syrah virus 1 (GSyV-1) and Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) and assess the coat protein genetic variability of these viruses. The detection of viruses was implemented by realtime RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) aiming to detect seven viruses and one viroid. With the exception of the Grapevine Cabernet Sauvignon reovirus (GCSV), the viruses and viroid that were evaluated were widespread in the sampled areas, often in high prevalence and multiple infections, ranging from 15 % up to 76 %. Eight isolates of GSyV-1 and six of GLRaV-3, partially characterized by complete coat protein gene nucleotide sequencing and a variability study showed nucleotide identities ranging from 91 % to 99 % (GSyV-1) and from 98 % to 100 % (GLRaV-3) among themselves, respectively. Comparisons between conventional and real-time RT-PCR detections were implemented for GSyV-1 and GLRaV-3 infections. Analysis of genetic variability indicated molecular differences between GSyV-1 and GLRaV-3 isolates and negative selection acting on the coat protein gene of both viruses. This is the first report of GSyV-1 in commercial vineyards in Brazil. The survey revealed widespread infections of seven important pathogens in one prominent Brazilian grape-producing region implying contaminated grapevine cuttings in the spread of disease. Keywords: Vitis, diagnosis, variability, incidence, leafrol