Experimental evolution of Potato virus Y in different potato genotypes

RNA viruses are one of the fastest evolving biological entities. Within their hosts, they constitute diverse populations, which are sculpted by different evolutionary mechanisms, such as natural selection and genetic drift. To estimate the effect of selection and genetic drift on the evolution of a Potato virus Y (an important plant pathogen) populations, we have performed experimental evolution of the virus in several potato genotypes, which differ in response to the virus. Using deep sequencing of small RNAs, we followed the temporal dynamics of standing and newly emerged variation, reconstructed theoretical haplotypes in the starting population and reveal the interplay between selection and genetic drift during the evolution of the virus.