Molecular phylogenetic analysis of Barley yellow mosaic virus.

Complete nucleotide sequences of three strains (I, III, and IV) of Barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV) isolated in Japan were determined. The length of the genome was the same among the three strains; RNA1 was 7,642 nt and RNA2 was 3,585 nt. The molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that strain I was most closely related to the Chinese isolate, and these two strains formed one cluster with European isolates. Strains II, III, and IV, and the Korean isolate formed another cluster. Amino acid sequences of each viral gene product were compared among strains. The sequences of the VPg protein showed less identity among almost strains (less than 92%) than the sequences of other proteins (more than 93%). VPg is thought to be involved in interactions with host factors, especially initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) or eIF(iso)4E, and infection. Therefore, the relationship between amino acid substitutions and infection of host plants is analyzed.