Molecular characterization and detection of a novel vitivirus infecting blackberry

Blackberries exhibiting yellow vein disease symptoms were found to be infected by a new virus, a putative member of the genus Vitivirus. Recombination assessment of several vitiviruses revealed multiple events involving the newly identified virus isolate. Occurrence in areas of high disease pressure was investigated and the population structure was studied using the movement and coat protein genes; both under purifying selection. This information was exploited in the development of a detection protocol for routine screening and Rubus certification programs around the globe.