Viromes of Monocotyledonous Weeds Growing in Crop Fields Reveal Infection by Several Viruses Suggesting Their Virus Reservoir Role

Abstract

In 2019, random samples of Panicum miliaceum growing as a weed were surveyed to uncover their virus infections at two locations in Hungary. This pilot study revealed infection with three viruses, two appearing for the first time in the country. As follow-up research, in the summer of 2021, we collected symptomatic leaves of several monocotyledonous plants in the same locations and determined their viromes using small RNA high-throughput sequencing (HTS). As a result, we have identified the presence of wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), barley yellow striate mosaic virus (BYSMV), barley virus G (BVG), and two additional viruses, namely Aphis glycines virus 1 (ApGlV1) and Ljubljana dicistrovirus 1 (LDV1), which are described for the first time in Hungary. New hosts of the viruses were identified: Cynodon dactylon is a new host of BYSMV and LDV1, Echinocloa crus-galli is a new host of BVG, ApGlV1 and LDV1, Sorghum halepense is a new host of ApGlV1, and Panicum miliaceum is a new host of LDV1. At the same time, Zea mays is a new host of ApGlV1 and LDV1. Small RNA HTS diagnosed acute infections but failed to detect persistent ones, which could be revealed using RT-PCR. The infection rates at the different locations and plant species were different. The phylogenetic analyses of the sequenced virus variants suggest that the tested monocotyledonous weeds can host different viruses and play a virus reservoir role. Viral spread from the reservoir species relies on the activity of insect vectors, which is why their management requires an active role in plant protection strategies, which need careful planning in the changing environment.