An Overview of Canadian Research Activities on Diseases Caused by Phytophthora ramorum: Results, Progress, and Challenges.

International trade and travel are the driving forces behind the spread of invasive plant pathogens around the world, and human-mediated movement of plants and plant products is now generally accepted as the primary mode of their introduction, resulting in huge disturbance to ecosystems and severe socio-economic impact. These problems are exacerbated under the present conditions of rapid climatic change. We report an overview of the Canadian research activities on Phytophthora ramorum. Since the first discovery and subsequent eradication of P. ramorum on infected ornamentals in nurseries in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2003, a research team of Canadian government scientists representing the Canadian Forest Service, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada worked together over a 10-year period and have significantly contributed to many aspects of research and risk assessment on this pathogen. The overall objectives of the Canadian research efforts were to gain a better understanding of the molecular diagnostics of P. ramorum, its biology, host-pathogen interactions, and management options. With this information, it was possible to develop pest risk assessments and evaluate the environmental and economic impact and future research needs and challenges relevant to P. ramorum and other emerging forest Phytophthora spp.

Complete genome sequence and analysis of blackcurrant leaf chlorosis associated virus, a new member of the genus Idaeovirus.

Blackcurrant leaf chlorosis associated virus (BCLCaV) was isolated from symptomatic blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum cv. Baldwin). The virus has a genome organization similar to that of raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV), the type member of the genus Idaeovirus. The RNA-1of this virus encodes the replicase complex (ORF1, Mr 197 kDa), while RNA-2 encodes a putative movement protein (ORF2a, Mr 38.8 kDa) and the putative coat protein (ORF2b, Mr 30 kDa). A concatenated form of BCLCaV RNA-2 was detected by next-generation sequencing and confirmed by RT-PCR. BCLCaV is a new member of the genus Idaeovirus.

Complete genome sequence of a strain of Actinidia virus X detected in Ribes nigrum cv. Baldwin showing unusual symptoms.

A Ribes-infecting strain of the potexvirus Actinidia virus X (AVX-RV3124) was isolated from black currant plants (Ribes nigrum cv. Baldwin, accession 3124-03D1) showing symptoms of leaf chlorosis and deformity. This is the first description of the complete genome sequence of an isolate of this virus and the first detection of a potexvirus in Ribes. The genome of AVX-RV3124 consists of 6,888 nucleotides (nt) excluding the poly(A) tail at the 3' terminus. When AVX-RV3124 was compared to the available sequence of the AVX isolate in GenBank (accession no. KC568202), two large indel events (72 nt and 33 nt) were identified in the replicase coding region of RV3124. Evidence of recombination was detected upstream of the 3' terminus of the replicase gene of both virus isolates, providing further evidence of a common origin.

Complete genome sequences of a putative new alphapartitivirus detected in Rosa spp.

A putative new alphapartitivirus was detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS) in Rosa spp. and identified as rose partitivirus isolate Phyllis Bide (RoPV-PB). The virus is bipartite with a dsRNA1 fragment (1937 bp) encoding a putative RdRp and a dsRNA2 fragment (1811 bp) encoding the putative CP subunit of the virus. dsRNA1 of RoPV-BP is closely related to Vicia faba partitivirus 1, with identities of 67 % and 72 % for the nucleotide (nt) and deduced amino acid (aa) sequences, respectively. In NGS analysis of RoPV-BP, coverage was uneven across both dsRNA fragments, with GC/AT content appearing to be a major determinant of depth of coverage.

Genome Sequence Analysis of New Isolates of the Winona Strain of Plum pox virus and the First Definitive Evidence of Intrastrain Recombination Events.

Plum pox virus (PPV) is genetically diverse with nine different strains identified. Mutations, indel events, and interstrain recombination events are known to contribute to the genetic diversity of PPV. This is the first report of intrastrain recombination events that contribute to PPV's genetic diversity. Fourteen isolates of the PPV strain Winona (W) were analyzed including nine new strain W isolates sequenced completely in this study. Isolates of other strains of PPV with more than one isolate with the complete genome sequence available in GenBank were included also in this study for comparison and analysis. Five intrastrain recombination events were detected among the PPV W isolates, one among PPV C strain isolates, and one among PPV M strain isolates. Four (29%) of the PPV W isolates analyzed are recombinants; one of which (P2-1) is a mosaic, with three recombination events identified. A new interstrain recombinant event was identified between a strain M isolate and a strain Rec isolate, a known recombinant. In silico recombination studies and pairwise distance analyses of PPV strain D isolates indicate that a threshold of genetic diversity exists for the detectability of recombination events, in the range of approximately 0.78×10(-2) to 1.33×10(-2) mean pairwise distance. RDP4 analyses indicate that in the case of PPV Rec isolates there may be a recombinant breakpoint distinct from the obvious transition point of strain sequences. Evidence was obtained that indicates that the frequency of PPV recombination is underestimated, which may be true for other RNA viruses where low genetic diversity exists.

Analysis of the complete genome of a virus associated with twisted leaf disease of cherry reveals evidence of a close relationship to unassigned viruses in the family Betaflexiviridae.

The genome of a virus associated with cherry twisted leaf disease (CTLaV, isolate ZH) was sequenced and consists of 8431 nucleotides, excluding a poly(A) tail at the 3' end. Genome analysis shows that CTLaV-ZH represents a new and distinct species and has a genome organization similar to those of unassigned viruses in the family Betaflexiviridae. The CTLaV-ZH genome has five open reading frames (ORFs), with putative ORFs within ORF2 and ORF5, identified as ORF2a and ORF5a, respectively. The AUG start codons of ORF2a and ORF5a are in contexts suitable for efficient translation, with appropriate stop codons in frame.

Two novel mitoviruses from a Canadian isolate of the Dutch elm pathogen Ophiostoma novo-ulmi (93-1224).

BACKGROUND: Ophiostoma novo-ulmi is the causative agent of Dutch elm disease (DED). It is an ascomycetous filamentous fungus that ranks as the third most devastating fungal pathogen in Canada. The disease front has spread eastward and westward from the epicentre in Ontario and Quebec and is threatening elm populations across the country. Numerous mitigation strategies have been tried to eradicate this pathogen, but success has thus far been limited. An alternative approach might utilize double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycoviruses which have been reported to induce hypovirulence in other fungi. METHODS: Using a modified single primer amplification technique (SPAT) in combination with chromosomal walking, we have determined the genome sequence of two RdRp encoding dsRNA viruses from an O. novo-ulmi isolate (93-1224) collected from the disease front in Winnipeg. RESULTS: We propose that these viruses, which we have named OnuMV1c and OnuMV7 based on sequence similarity to other Ophiostoma mitoviruses, are two new members of the genus Mitovirus in the family Narnaviridae. CONCLUSIONS: The discovery of such dsRNA elements raises the potential for engineering these viruses to include other genetic elements, such as anti-sense or interfering RNAs, to create novel and highly specific biological controls. Naïve fungal hosts could be infected with both the engineered molecule and a helper mitovirus encoding an RdRp which would provide replication capacity for both molecules.

Molecular Analysis of a Plum pox virus W Isolate in Plum Germplasm Hand Carried into the USA from the Ukraine Shows a Close Relationship to a Latvian Isolate.

Four of 19 Prunus germplasm accessions hand carried from the Ukraine into the United States without authorization were found to be infected with Plum pox virus (PPV). Of the three isolates characterized, isolates UKR 44189 and UKR 44191 were confirmed to be isolates of PPV strain W, and UKR 44188 was confirmed to be an isolate of PPV strain D. UKR 44189 and UKR 44191 are very closely related to the PPV strain W isolate LV-145bt (HQ670748) from Latvia. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities between these three isolates were greater than 99%. This indicates that the isolates are very closely related and likely originated from a common source. The high genetic diversity among PPV-W strain isolates allowed the identification of potential recombination events between PPV isolates. It appears also that GF 305 peach and Prunus tomentosa are not hosts for the PPV isolate UKR 44189.

Occurrence and Genetic Diversity of Winona-Like Plum pox virus Isolates in Russia.

In studying the distribution and genetic diversity of Plum pox virus (PPV) in Russia, over a dozen new PPV isolates belonging to the strain Winona (PPV-W) were identified by immunocapture reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction with the PPV-W-specific primers 3174-SP-F3/3174-SP-R1. Isolates were detected in two geographically distant regions of European Russia (Northern Caucasus and Moscow regions) in naturally infected plum (Prunus domestica), blackthorn (P. spinosa), Canadian plum (P. nigra), and downy cherry (P. tomentosa). The new PPV-W isolates were shown to be serologically related but not identical by triple-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting analysis using the monoclonal antibody (MAb) 5B-IVIA and MAbs specific to the N-terminal epitopes of PPV-W isolate 3174. Analysis of nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the (C-ter)NIb-(N-ter)CP genome region indicate great genetic diversity among isolates, with phylogenetic analysis revealing seven clades. Isolates P1 and P3 found in plum in the south of Russia clustered closely with the putative ancestral PPV-W isolate LV-145bt from Latvia, while isolate 1410-7 found in P. nigra in Moscow appears to be closely related to the Canadian isolate W3174. The data obtained indicate wide dissemination of PPV-W isolate in stone fruit in the European part of the former USSR.

Standardizing the nomenclature for clonal lineages of the sudden oak death pathogen, Phytophthora ramorum.

Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of sudden oak death and ramorum blight, is known to exist as three distinct clonal lineages which can only be distinguished by performing molecular marker-based analyses. However, in the recent literature there exists no consensus on naming of these lineages. Here we propose a system for naming clonal lineages of P. ramorum based on a consensus established by the P. ramorum research community. Clonal lineages are named with a two letter identifier for the continent on which they were first found (e.g., NA = North America; EU = Europe) followed by a number indicating order of appearance. Clonal lineages known to date are designated NA1 (mating type: A2; distribution: North America; environment: forest and nurseries), NA2 (A2; North America; nurseries), and EU1 (predominantly A1, rarely A2; Europe and North America; nurseries and gardens). It is expected that novel lineages or new variants within the existing three clonal lineages could in time emerge.

Use of Luminex xMAP-derived Bio-Plex bead-based suspension array for specific detection of PPV W and characterization of epitopes on the coat protein of the virus.

A panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against the N-terminus region of the coat protein (CP) of strain PPV W (isolate 3174) was generated by immunizing mice with recombinant peptides. The best performing MAbs were identified as 2C3 and 10G7. MAb 2C3 was selected for comparison of a standard TAS-ELISA protocol with a Luminex xMAP technology-derived bead-based suspension array system described as a triple antibody sandwich-microsphere immunoassay (TAS-MIA). TAS-MIA was as sensitive as TAS-ELISA for the specific detection of PPV W in herbaceous and woody hosts. It was completed in 4h, and used less reagents. Epitope recognition analysis was carried out using a set of overlapping synthetic pin-bound peptides (Mimotopes). Peptides (2)DEEDD(6) and (46)MFNPV(50) were the epitopes recognized most commonly by the best performing MAbs. Linear epitope prediction of B-cell recognition sites confirmed that both peptides fall within highly antigenic and accessible regions. The second glutamic acid residue of the epitope is crucial for MAb recognition, and the context of the epitope is as important as the sequence of the epitope. The results obtained in ELISA, Western blot, and TAS-MIA correlated with B-cell recognition prediction. This is an effective approach to identify suitable antigenic epitopes that generate antibodies for use in reliable diagnostic procedures. This is the first report of the detection of a plant virus using the Luminex xMAP bead-based suspension array system.

Blackcurrant Leaf Chlorosis Associated Virus: Evidence of the Presence of Circular RNA during Infections.

Blackcurrant leaf chlorosis associated virus (BCLCaV) was detected recently by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and a new and distinct species in the genus Idaeovirus was proposed. Analysis of NGS-derived paired-end reads revealed the existence of bridge reads encompassing the 3'-terminus and 5'-terminus of RNA-2 or RNA-3 of BCLCaV. The full RNA-2 or RNA-3 could be amplified using outward facing or abutting primers; also, RNA-2/RNA-3 could be detected even after three consecutive RNase R enzyme treatments, with denaturation at 95 °C preceding each digestion. Evidence was obtained indicating that there are circular forms of BCLCaV RNA-2 and RNA-3.

Recent Advances on the Multiplex Molecular Detection of Plant Viruses and Viroids.

Plant viruses are still one of the main contributors to economic losses in agriculture. It has been estimated that plant viruses can cause as much as 50 billion euros loss worldwide, per year. This situation may be worsened by recent climate change events and the associated changes in disease epidemiology. Reliable and early detection methods are still one of the main and most effective actions to develop control strategies for plant viral diseases. During the last years, considerable progress has been made to develop tools with high specificity and low detection limits for use in the detection of these plant pathogens. Time and cost reductions have been some of the main objectives pursued during the last few years as these increase their feasibility for routine use. Among other strategies, these objectives can be achieved by the simultaneous detection and (or) identification of several viruses in a single assay. Nucleic acid-based detection techniques are especially suitable for this purpose. Polyvalent detection has allowed the detection of multiple plant viruses at the genus level. Multiplexing RT polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been optimized for the simultaneous detection of more than 10 plant viruses/viroids. In this short review, we provide an update on the progress made during the last decade on techniques such as multiplex PCR, polyvalent PCR, non-isotopic molecular hybridization techniques, real-time PCR, and array technologies to allow simultaneous detection of multiple plant viruses. Also, the potential and benefits of the powerful new technique of deep sequencing/next-generation sequencing are described.

Apple hammerhead viroid-like RNA is a bona fide viroid: Autonomous replication and structural features support its inclusion as a new member in the genus Pelamoviroid.

Apple hammerhead viroid-like RNA (AHVd RNA) has been reported in different apple cultivars and geographic regions and, considering the presence of hammerhead ribozymes in both polarity strands, suspected to be either a viroid of the family Avsunviroidae or a viroid-like satellite RNA. Here we report that dimeric head-to-tail in vitro transcripts of a 433-nt reference variant of AHVd RNA from cultivar "Pacific Gala" are infectious when mechanically inoculated to apple, thus showing that this RNA is a bona fide viroid for which we have kept the name apple hammerhead viroid (AHVd) until its pathogenicity, if any, is better assessed. By combining thermodynamics-based predictions with co-variation analyses of the natural genetic diversity found in AHVd we have inferred the most likely conformations for both AHVd polarity strands in vivo, with that of the (+) polarity strand being stabilized by a kissing loop-interaction similar to those reported in peach latent mosaic viroid and chrysathemum chlorotic mottle viroid, the two known members of the genus Pelamoviroid (family Avsunviroidae). Therefore, AHVd RNA fulfills the biological and molecular criteria to be allocated to this genus, the members of which, intriguingly, display low global sequence identity but high structural conservation.

Real-time RT-PCR and SYBR Green I melting curve analysis for the identification of Plum pox virus strains C, EA, and W: effect of amplicon size, melt rate, and dye translocation.

Real-time RT-PCR and SYBR green I melt curve analysis of a 74 bp amplicon enabled identification of Plum pox virus strains C, EA, and W, with distinct T(m)'s associated with each strain. This test is a useful supplement to a real-time RT-PCR test described earlier that was used to distinguish PPV strains D and M. A longer fragment of 155 bp was not effective for strain identification. A simplified one-tube protocol, with dithiothreitol eliminated from the reaction, showed similar sensitivity when compared to a two-tube protocol. For melt curve analysis, a slower melt rate of 0.1 degrees C/s, compared to 0.4 degrees C/s, was effective for detecting weak amplicons, and improved resolution of the T(m) of amplicons amplified simultaneously. SYBR green I was useful for duplex melt curve analysis. In repeated melt run treatments (total of 14) of a single sample containing co-amplified targets, complete translocation of SYBR green I was observed, going from a 74 bp fragment to a 114 bp fragment. The duration of the melt run may be a critical factor affecting SYBR green I binding and translocation, and its manipulation may facilitate improved resolution and simultaneous detection of multiple targets. This phenomenon may explain inconsistent SYBR green I fluorescence patterns associated with melt curve analysis of some amplicon complexes.

Use of reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for the detection of Plum pox virus.

A one step, accelerated reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) procedure was developed for the detection of Plum pox virus (PPV). The six primers required for accelerated RT-LAMP were designed using a conserved region in the C-terminus of the coat protein coding region of PPV. RT-LAMP was used to detect isolates of five strains of PPV including the strains D, M, EA, C, and W. The virus was detected reliably in both infected herbaceous and woody hosts. RT-LAMP was compared to real-time RT-PCR with SYBR Green I and melting curve analysis, using serial dilutions of total RNA extracts. Similar sensitivities were observed, except that real-time RT-PCR was more consistent at lower template concentrations. The purity of the FIP and BIP primers affected the efficiency of the reaction, and incubation time and template concentration affected the ladder-like pattern observed after agarose gel electrophoresis. Although PPV could be detected after 30min of incubation at 63 degrees C, a longer incubation time was required for lower concentrations of the target. RT-LAMP is a very sensitive, low cost diagnostic tool that should be of value in more accurate determination of the distribution of PPV. This should assist in preventing further spread of this devastating virus.

Co-infection by two distinct totivirus-like double-stranded RNA elements in Chalara elegans (Thielaviopsis basicola).

A full-length cDNA clone was developed from a 5.3 kb double-stranded (ds) RNA element present in strain CKP of the plant pathogenic fungus Chalara elegans. The complete nucleotide sequence was 5310 bp in length and sequence analysis revealed that it contained three large putative open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 was initiated at nucleotide position 329 and encoded a putative coat protein, which shared some homology (35-45% amino acid identity) to other dsRNAs in the family Totiviridae. Both ORF2 and ORF3 were initiated at nucleotide positions 2619 and 4071, respectively, and encoded a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Sequence comparison using deduced amino acid sequences of both ORF2 and ORF3 revealed that all RdRp conserved motifs shared highest homology (41% identity) to that of SsRNA1 of Totiviridae. This dsRNA in C. elegans was designated Chalara elegans RNA Virus 1 (CeRV1). During the development of the full-length cDNA clone of CeRV1, several partial cDNA clones from an additional dsRNA fragment in strain CKP were obtained, which when aligned with each other, produced one linear fragment which was 2336 bp long. Northern blot and sequence analysis of this second clone showed it differed in sequence composition from CeRV1. This dsRNA in C. elegans was designated Chalara elegans RNA Virus 2 (CeRV2). Sequence analysis of CeRV2 showed it contained all conserved motifs and shared some homology (45% amino acid identity) to RdRp regions of Totiviridae. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the conserved motifs of the RdRp regions between CeRV1 and CeRV2 showed an identity of 56% and 50%, respectively. These findings suggest that co-infection of two distinct totivirus-like dsRNAs (CeRV1 and CeRV2) in C. elegans, a first report in this fungus. Transmission electron microscopy of strain CKP of C. elegans revealed the presence of putative virus-like particles in the cytoplasm, which were similar both in shape and size to viruses in the Totiviridae.

Detection and differentiation of Plum pox virus using real-time multiplex PCR with SYBR Green and melting curve analysis: a rapid method for strain typing.

A real-time multiplex PCR procedure with melting curve analysis, using the green fluorescence dye SYBR Green I, was developed for rapid and reliable identification of Plum pox virus (PPV) isolates of strains D and M. Members of the different strains were identified by their distinctive melting temperatures (T(m)s); 84.3-84.43 degrees C for D isolates, and 85.34-86.11 degrees C for M isolates. The associated amplicon sizes were 114 and 380 bp, respectively. The procedure was used for detection and identification of PPV in both herbaceous and woody hosts. The Tm for members of a particular strain was very similar, with a host effect that did not hinder strain identification. Universal primers included in the study detected all isolates of PPV tested, amplifying a 74 bp fragment. The Tm of this fragment varied from 80.12 to 81.52 degrees C and may have supplementary value for PPV identification. SYBR Green-based detection was compared to detection using a hybridization LUX fluorogenic primer. Better resolution of the melting peaks was observed with SYBR Green I, than with the LUX primers, hence strain identification with SYBR Green I was more reliable. This is a simple approach to PPV strain identification with the relatively inexpensive dye SYBR Green I, and eliminates any need for electrophoretic analysis of amplicons or RFLP patterns using ethidium bromide.

Reliable detection and identification of genetically modified maize, soybean, and canola by multiplex PCR analysis.

Multiplex PCR procedures were developed for simultaneously detecting multiple target sequences in genetically modified (GM) soybean (Roundup Ready), maize (event 176, Bt11, Mon810, T14/25), and canola (GT73, HCN92/28, MS8/RF3, Oxy 235). Internal control targets (invertase gene in corn, lectin and beta-actin genes in soybean, and cruciferin gene in canola) were included as appropriate to assess the efficiency of all reactions, thereby eliminating any false negatives. Primer combinations that allowed the identification of specific lines were used. In one system of identification, simultaneous amplification profiling (SAP), rather than target specific detection, was used for the identification of four GM maize lines. SAP is simple and has the potential to identify both approved and nonapproved GM lines. The template concentration was identified as a critical factor affecting efficient multiplex PCRs. In canola, 75 ng of DNA template was more effective than 50 ng of DNA for the simultaneous amplification of all targets in a reaction volume of 25 microL. Reliable identification of GM canola was achieved at a DNA concentration of 3 ng/microL, and at 0.1% for GM soybean, indicating high levels of sensitivity. Nonspecific amplification was utilized in this study as a tool for specific and reliable identification of one line of GM maize. The primer cry1A 4-3' (antisense primer) recognizes two sites on the DNA template extracted from GM transgenic maize containing event 176 (European corn borer resistant), resulting in the amplification of products of 152 bp (expected) and 485 bp (unexpected). The latter fragment was sequenced and confirmed to be Cry1A specific. The systems described herein represent simple, accurate, and sensitive GMO detection methods in which only one reaction is necessary to detect multiple GM target sequences that can be reliably used for the identification of specific lines of GMOs.