Molecular Characterisation of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Isolates From Central Europe Based on Complete Genome Sequences

ABSTRACT Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV, Tritimovirus tritici ) belongs to the genus Tritimovirus within the family Potyviridae . It is one of the major and widespread viral pathogens of wheat. During 2022–2024, seven new WSMV European isolates were collected: six Polish and one Ukrainian. The aim of this study was the molecular characterisation of the above‐mentioned isolates based on their complete genome sequences. They were obtained using Sanger and high‐throughput sequencing and deposited in the NCBI GenBank database under accession numbers PV075073–PV075079. They expand the current set of 11 complete WSMV genome sequences from Europe. Bioinformatic analysis of genetic diversity, recombinant events, phylogenetic relationships and selective pressure were conducted. The analysis revealed a high level of genetic similarity among European WSMV isolates, ranging from 97.6% to 99.3% and from 98.6% to 99.8% for nucleotide and amino acids, respectively. The analysis of potential recombination events indicated only one recombinant event among European isolates (WSMV‐Sosn). All newly collected virus isolates belonged to one phylogenetic group. The WSMV population is shaped by purifying selection.