Identifcation, full-length genome sequencing, and field survey of citrus vein enation virus in Italy

Citrus vein enation virus (CVEV) was described in Spain and then it has been reported in several citrus growing areas of Asia, America and Australia. Here, the occurrence of CVEV in Italy has been documented for the rst time. e full genome sequence of a CVEV Italian isolate (14Q) was determined by high-throughput sequencing and the presence of the virus was con rmed by RT-PCR and gra -trans- mission to indicator plants, from which the virus was recovered six-months post-inoc- ulation. Phylogenetic analysis based on the full-length genome of CVEV isolates from di erent countries showed that they are phylogenetically related to each other based on their geographic origin, rather than on their host and that the Italian isolate is more closely related to the Spanish isolate than to the other ones. A eld survey revealed the presence of CVEV in some areas of Campania region (southern Italy), prevalently infecting lemon trees. In the frame of this survey, kumquat was identi ed for the rst time as a host of CVEV. No symptoms were observed in the eld so far. e infection of asymptomatic hosts and the transmission by aphid species present in Italy increase the risk that the virus could further spread.