Molecular characterization of bipartite begomovirus associated with papaya Leaf curl disease in Chhattisgarh, India

We conducted a study in Durg, Chhattisgarh, India, focusing on the prevalence and genetic characterization of begomoviruses associated with papaya leaf curl disease (PaLCuD). We identified and characterized a novel strain of bipartite begomovirus associated with PaLCuD. Using the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method, we extracted DNA from symptomatic papaya plants and employed rolling cycle amplification (RCA) for genome amplification. Restriction digestion of RCA products from symptomatic plant revealed distinct fragments, cloned into vector, and sequenced bidirectionally. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis revealed a distinct bipartite begomovirus genome structure, clustering closely with known begomoviruses. Recombination analysis further confirmed the isolates’ recombinant nature. Taxonomic classification identified these isolates as strains of papaya leaf curl virus (PaLCuV) and tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) for DNA-A and DNA-B components, respectively, sharing significant nucleotide identity (> 94%) with established begomoviruses. Importantly, this study marks the first report of a sequencing of bipartite begomovirus associated with papaya leaf curl disease in India, specifically in Chhattisgarh, highlighting the expanding diversity of bipartite begomoviruses contributing to this economically significant disease. Moreover, this discovery underscores the potential implications of increasing bipartite begomovirus diversity on the sustainability of papaya crops and agricultural practices globally.