Characterization of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) Detected in Czech Republic

Abstract

Tomato is the most consumed vegetable in the world. The tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is an important destructive virus that damages tomatoes and peppers with significant economic impact. The detection and characterization of this important viral pathogen were evaluated at the molecular and morphological level. The viral isolate was purified and inoculated on tomato and pepper plants. Small RNAs were sequenced in both plants and the profiles were compared. The complete genome of the isolate was obtained, and microRNA (miRNA) profiles were unveiled by small RNA sequencing. Symptoms caused by the isolate were also described and the morphology of the isolate was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Our results contribute to further understanding of the role of miRNAs in ToBRFV pathogenesis, which may be crucial for understanding disease symptom development in tomatoes and peppers.