Analysis of the molecular and biological variability of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus isolates from Slovakia and Czech Republic

The diversity of ZYMV isolates was analysed by the biological and molecular characterisation of 11 isolates sampled from cucumber, squash and zucchini between 2001 and 2006 in various localities of Slovakia and Czech Republic. Analysis of the molecular variability targeting three separate genomic regions of the ZYMV genome [P1, P3 and (Cter) NIb-(Nter) CP] revealed a remarkable low level of nucleotide variability between isolates, despite their temporal and spatial distinction. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 5'-terminal part of the CP gene highlighted the close relatedness of Slovak, Czech and other central European isolates. Low level of genetic diversity within central European ZYMV isolates is in contrast to the diversity observed for isolates from other geographical regions, in particular Asia. No evidence of recombination in the ZYMV genome was detected. Sequence comparison between aggressive and moderate ZYMV isolates revealed one amino acid difference in the N-terminal part of the P3 protein, potentially involved in the tolerance breaking.