Molecular analysis of a California strain of Rupestris stem pitting-associated virus isolated from declining Syrah grapevines

The sequence of the genome of a Rupestris stem pitting-associated virus (RSPaV) isolated from a declining Syrah grapevine in California, designated the Syrah strain (RSPaV-SY) was determined. The genome of this strain had an overall nucleotide identity os 77% in comparison with RSPaV sequences in GenBank; the coat protein was the most conservd gene among RSPaV sequences among replicase was the least conserved gene. Phylogenetic analysis of partial coat protein and replicase gene sequences showed RSPaV-SY clustrd independently from the majority of RSPaV isolates