Exploring RNA viral diversity in macrophytes from freshwater springs

It is likely that viruses play important roles in the health and ecology of macrophytes, an important taxonomically diverse group of aquatic phototrophs that are visible to the naked eye. Macrophytes, together with phytoplankton, are the principal primary producers in aquatic ecosystems where they fulfill numerous ecosystem functions. This diverse group includes phototrophs spanning from cyanobacterial mats (Cyanophyta) to seven divisions within Archaeplastida, including macroalgae (Charophyceae, Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, and Xanthophyta), non-vascular plants (Bryophyta) and vascular plants (Pteridophyta and Spermatophyta). Although viruses impact population dynamics of single-celled phototrophs in aquatic systems, there is scarce information regarding viral infection in macrophytes. Here we identified RNA viruses associated with macrophytes inhabiting four springs in Florida, USA providing one of the first glimpses of viral diversity associated with these essential freshwater phototrophs.