New insights on the mycovirome of Botrytis cinerea by high-throughput sequencing

A metagenomic approach was applied to obtain a comprehensive characterization of the B. cinerea virome. dsRNAs segments with sizes ranging from 0.6 to 5.0 kbp were extracted and purified from 12 pooled mycelia from a total of 60 isolates, collected from different host plants and geographical areas, and sequenced. A great abundance and diversity of viruses infecting B. cinerea were found. At least 23 different viruses were detected and identified in one or more of the analysed pools of dsRNA samples.