Molecular Detection and Characterization of Potato Mop-Top Virus (PMTV) Using High-Throughput Sequencing

Abstract

Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) was investigated using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to determine its presence, genomic organization, and molecular variability in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production systems. Symptomatic tubers and foliage exhibiting characteristic spraing, internal necrotic arcs, and foliar chlorotic patterns were collected from surveyed fields and subjected to total RNA extraction followed by HTS-based virome analysis. Bioinformatic processing of sequencing data revealed contigs corresponding to the multipartite genome of PMTV, confirming its presence in infected samples. Assembly and annotation identified RNA components encoding replication-associated proteins, movement proteins, and coat protein, consistent with known genomic architecture of the virus. Comparative sequence analysis showed high similarity with global PMTV isolates, while also revealing nucleotide polymorphisms across genomic segments, indicating limited but notable genetic diversity within local populations. Phylogenetic reconstruction grouped the detected isolates within established PMTV clades, closely related to strains reported from temperate potato-growing regions, suggesting potential dissemination through infected seed tubers and soil-borne vector Spongospora subterranea. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of HTS in detecting latent or mixed viral infections that may be overlooked by conventional diagnostic methods. Disease association analysis confirmed the correlation between PMTV presence and symptom expression in tubers, highlighting its impact on tuber quality and market value. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating genomic surveillance tools for early detection and monitoring of emerging viral threats in potato production systems. The study provides critical insights into PMTV molecular epidemiology and supports the development of improved diagnostic and disease management strategies.