Identification of a chordovirus hosted by Angelica lignescens

Summary Angelica lignescens , an endangered plant species endemic to the Azores Archipelago and member of the Apiaceae family, was subjected to Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) virome analysis. This analysis revealed the presence of contigs associated with a virus member of the Chordovirus genus. Through RT–PCR and additional Sanger sequencing, the complete genome of the virus was assembled and provisionally named angelica chordovirus (AChV). The AChV has a genome length of 8145 nt, exhibiting a similar organization to the Trivirinae subfamily ( Betaflexiviridae family). Upon BLAST analysis, the highest genomic homology was uncovered with carrot chordovirus 4 (CChV4), displaying a nucleotide identity of 76%. Pairwise comparisons further emphasized this similarity, with 80% and 82% amino acid identity to the complete replicase and coat protein genes of CChV4, respectively. These values lie on the borderline of species demarcation criteria. Given that, to ensure precise classification, additional research is imperative to unravel the epidemiology and ecology of AChV. Furthermore, a more profound understanding of its impact on A. lignescens and its potential broader ecological implications is essential, especially concerning potential host crops.