Species diversity, phylogeny and genetic variability of begomovirus populations infecting leguminous weeds in northeastern Brazil

A survey of begomoviruses infecting leguminous weeds (family Fabaceae) was carried out in four states of northeastern Brazil. A total of 26 full-length begomovirus components (19 DNA-A and seven DNA-B, with three pairs of cognate A and B components) were amplified using rolling-circle amplification, then cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis indicated the presence of six species, four of them novel. In phylogenetic analysis five of the viruses clustered with other Brazilian begomoviruses, but one of them (Euphorbia yellow mosaic virus, EuYMV) clustered with viruses from other countries in Central and South America. Evidence of recombination was found among isolates of Macroptilium yellow spot virus (MaYSV). The MaYSV population had a high degree of genetic variability. Macroptilium lathyroides was revealed as a common host for several of these viruses, and could act as a mixing vessel from which recombinant viruses could emerge. The results indicate that leguminous weeds are reservoirs of several begomoviruses in Brazil, and could play a significant role in begomovirus epidemics, both as inoculum sources and as sources of emerging novel viruses.