Genomic Characterization and Molecular Detection of a Novel Carlavirus Infecting Angelica dahurica: Angelica carlavirus Virus

Angelica dahurica (A. dahurica) is an important medicinal plant in China; however, its production is affected by viral infections, leading to reduced yields and quality. In this study, we identified a novel carlavirus, tentatively named Angelica carlavirus virus (AnCV), in the leaves of A. dahurica exhibiting mosaic and leaf crinkling symptoms. Notably, the complete genome of AnCV was 8562 nt long and contained six open reading frames, with a genomic organization typical of the genus Carlavirus. AnCV exhibited 44.5–57.8% nucleotide identity at the whole-genome level with known members of the genus Carlavirus. In the polymerase gene and coat protein regions, the highest nucleotide and amino acid identities were 59.4–60.0% and 46.5–55.8%, respectively, which were below the species demarcation criteria established by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses for the genus Carlavirus. Importantly, 10 AnCV isolates clustered within subgroup I of the genus Carlavirus, forming a relatively distinct branch. Moreover, 119 of the 280 A. dahurica samples were positive for AnCV (detection rate of 42.58%). Our study revealed that AnCV is a novel member of the genus Carlavirus that infects A. dahurica, providing a theoretical basis for the monitoring and control of viral diseases in A. dahurica.