High-Throughput Sequencing of Small RNAs for Diagnostics of Grapevine Viruses and Viroids in Russia

In this study, we used the HTS platform for sequencing small RNAs (sRNAs) of grapevine to study the virome. To determine the viromes of vineyards, we used an integrated approach that included bioinformatic analysis of the results of sRNA HTS and the molecular method RT-PCR, which made it possible to identify 13 viruses and four viroids. Three viruses and two viroids were identified first in Russia. Out of 38 samples analyzed, 37 had mixed infection with 4-11 viruses, indicating a high viral load. Analysis of the obtained sequences of fragments of virus genomes made it possible to identify recombination events in GLRaV-1, GLRaV-2, GLRaV-3, GLRaV-4, GVT, GPGV, GRSPaV, GVA, and GFLV. The obtained results indicate a wide spread of the viruses and their genetic diversity in the vineyards of the Krasnodar Krai and emphasize the urgent need to develop and implement long-term strategies for the control of viral diseases of grapevine.