High molecular variability of sugarcane bacilliform viruses in Guadeloupe implying the existence of at least three new species.

Thirty-five unique partial sugarcane bacilliform virus (SCBV) sequences extending over 529 bp were identified in sugarcane samples from Guadeloupe diagnosed by Immunocapture-PCR (IC-PCR) using specific badnavirus primers. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences along with the two known genome sequences of Sugarcane bacilliform Mor virus (SCBMV) and Sugarcane bacilliform IM virus (SCBIMV) revealed high molecular variability in the SCBV genome. Seven phylogenetic groups, named A to G, were characterized: virus isolates from groups A-B, C and D are proposed to be members of three additional SCBV species. The two (7446 and 7444 bp) and one (7317 bp) complete sequences of SCBV isolates from groups A and D, respectively, likely represented the genome of two new species. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome and RT/RNase H sequences confirmed the polyphyletic structure of SCBV isolates and the absence of a clear separation between SCBV and Banana streak virus (BSV) isolates within badnavirus group 1. These results showed that reconsideration of taxonomy and classification of SCBV and BSV are necessary.