Evidence for subgenomic RNAs in leaves infected with an Andean strain of potato virus S.

The genomic RNA (7.5 kb) and two subgenomic RNA species (2.5 kb and 1.1 kb) were detected by Northern hybridization in leaves infected with an Andean strain of potato virus S (PVSA). The single-stranded RNAs contain a substantial poly-(A) tract as shown by oligo (dT)-cellulose chromatography and by an increased mobility on agarose gels following digestion with RNase H in the presence of oligo (dT). In rabbit reticulocyte lysates, the 1.1 kb RNA directed the synthesis of the 34 kD virus coat protein which was not translated efficiently from full length genomic RNA isolated by sucrose gradient fractionation.