Virome Bioprospection in Ornamental Plants of Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae Families in Brazilian Highlands

Viruses are widespread, yet little is understood about these biological entities. The evaluation is less than 1% of the total eukaryotic virosphere is known. The common knowledge is constrained to viruses that cause diseases and economic losses. Other ecological relationships and rising factors of viruses are mainly unexplored. The segment of plant viruses is not distinct. The understanding of diversity, evolutionary forces, and their impact is unknown. However, with the High throughput sequencing (HTS) advent, the study of the virome got tangible and fast-growing. Likewise, the bioinformatic tools improved the comprehension of viral diversity and evolution patterns. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the possible rising of new viral diseases in humans and other economically important eukaryotes have demonstrated that is necessary to explore the virosphere. The Orchidaceae family is the second-largest family of flowering plants. They predominantly grow in tropical areas as Bromeliaceae family specimens. The viral diversity of both families is not entirely investigated, except for the economic interest plants. In this work, the virome bioprospection research was conducted with specimens of Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae family found in the Brazilian highlands ornamental market. The DNA and RNA HTS of those plants were made. Bioinformatic programs were utilized to study the virome found results. Two novel DNA and 12 RNA viruses were described infecting orchids and bromeliads.