Novel virus-like particles containing circular single-stranded DNAs associated with subterranean clover stunt disease.

Novel virus-like particles, 17-19 nm in diameter, have been isolated from subterranean clover and pea plants infected with the pathogen of subterranean clover stunt disease (SCSD). The structure and genetic organization of these particles suggest that the pathogen of SCSD is representative of a new group of plant DNA viruses. SCS virus-like particles (SCSV) are isometric and band as a single component with buoyant densities of 1.24 g/ml in Cs2SO4 and 1.34 g/ml in CsCl. The A260 nm/A280 nm is about 1.35, which is consistent with an estimated nucleic acid content of 17%. Molecular calculations suggest that the particles have a T = 1 capsid structure containing 60 polypeptide subunits each with Mr of 19,000. Nucleic acid analysis including restriction enzyme digestions of double-stranded cDNAs suggests that SCSV have a divided genome composed of multiple species of circular, single-stranded DNA molecules each of approximately 850-880 nucleotides and that each is encapsidated in a separate particle. Linear and aggregated forms of these DNAs are also detected by gel electrophoresis. Evidence suggests that these virus-like particles are the pathogen of SCSD.