RNA deep sequencing uncovers a new Sobemovirus species Sobemovirus orxatae affecting chufa Cyperus esculentus.

Cyperus esculentus is a common weed that has a special agricultural interest in the Mediterranean region of Spain for the production of the non-alcoholic beverage called orxata. In the recent years, a loss of yield was observed and may be caused by different unknown pathogens. In this study we performed a RNA High Throughput Sequencing experiment on a plant showing streaked or mottled leaves, leading to chlorosis symptoms. We obtained the complete genome sequence of a new Sobemovirus species that we propose to name Sobemovirus orxatae. We designed specific RT-PCR primers and performed a survey of different fields of the region that confirmed this new species is extended in tiger nuts crops. This study strengthen the importance of emerging pathogen vigilance and plant sanitation in tiger nut cultivation.

油莎草（Cyperus esculentus）是一种常见杂草，在西班牙地中海沿岸地区因可用于生产名为奥恰塔（orxata）的无酒精饮品而具有特殊的农业价值。近年来，该作物出现产量下滑现象，推测可能由多种未知病原菌引发。本研究针对表现出条纹状或斑驳状叶片并伴随褪绿症状的植株，开展了RNA高通量测序（RNA High Throughput Sequencing）实验，成功获得了一种新型Sobemovirus属病毒的完整基因组序列，研究人员提议将其命名为Sobemovirus orxatae。我们设计了特异性RT-PCR引物，并对该区域多个种植田块进行了调查，结果证实该新型病毒已在虎坚果（tiger nuts）种植园中广泛分布。本研究凸显了虎坚果种植中新兴病原菌监测与植物卫生防控的重要性。