LAUSR

Complete begomovirus and betasatellite genomes were isolated from turnip (Brassica rapa) plants exhibiting leaf crumpling symptoms in Pakistan. In this study, two complete begomovirus genomes and one betasatellite molecule were cloned, sequenced and characterized. The identified begomovirus isolates were 100% identical to each other and shared their highest nucleotide (nt) sequence identity at 94.4 and 92.7% with pedilanthus leaf curl virus (PeLCV) and tomato leaf curl Kerala virus (ToLCKeV), respectively. However, in phylogenetic analysis both isolates grouped separately in the ToLCKeV clade. The detailed phylogenetic and recombination analysis showed that the isolates have unique and recombinant nature thus, representing new isolates of PeLCV from turnip in Pakistan. The cloned betasatellite isolate (1371 nt in length) was a non-recombinant molecule and shared highest nt sequence identity (89.8%) with tobacco leaf curl betasatellite (TbLCB). This is the first report of a unique isolate of PeLCV associated with TbLCB infecting B. rapa in Pakistan. The present study extends our knowledge about the current diversity of PeLCV in the important crops.