Characterization of the first tenuivirus naturally infecting dicotyledonous plants.

A mechanically transmissible virus tentatively named "melon chlorotic spot virus" (MeCSV) was isolated in southeastern France from a melon plant showing chlorotic spots and yellowing of the older leaves. Its complete sequence was obtained by Illumina and Sanger sequencing. The genome comprises eight RNAs for a total size of 20,079 nt and is distantly related to Ramu stunt virus and maize yellow stunt virus, two tentative tenuiviruses. MeCSV differs from other tenuiviruses by its number of genomic fragments, by being readily mechanically transmissible, and by infecting only dicotyledonous hosts. MeCSV should thus be considered a member of a tentative new species related to tenuiviruses.