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The Sweet potato chlorotic fleck virus (SPCFV), of the genus Carlavirus (family Betaflexiviridae), was first detected as one of several viruses infecting sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas L.) in Korea. Out of 154 sweet potato samples collected in 2012 that were showing virus-like symptoms, 47 (31%) were infected with SPCFV, along with other viruses. The complete genome sequences of four SPCFV isolates were determined and analyzed using previously reported genome sequences. The complete genomes were found to contain 9,104-9,108 nucleotides, excluding the poly-A tail, containing six putative open reading frames (ORFs). Further, the SPCFV Korean isolates were divided into two groups (Group I and Group II) by phylogenetic analysis based on the complete nucleotide sequences; Group I and Group II had low nucleotide sequence identities of about 73%. For the first time, we determined the complete genome sequence for the Group II SPCFV isolates. The amino acid sequence identity in coat proteins (CP) between the two groups was over 90%, whereas the amino acid sequence identity in other proteins was less than 80%. In addition, SPCFV Korean isolates had a low amino acid sequence identity (61% CPs and 47% in the nucleotide- binding protein [NaBp] region) to that of Melon yellowing-associated virus (MYaV), a typical Carlavirus.

In 2016, less than 30% of virus-like symptoms such as chlorosis, necrosis and ringspots were observed in Hoya carnosa from commercial greenhouse in Eumseong, Korea. A total of 6 samples from Hoya carnosa were collected both symptomatic and asymptomatic plants and tested for virus infection by RT-PCR of 3 viruses known to infect Hoya spp. including Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) and Tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV). Three symptomatic samples were positives for INSV. Also, it was not the virus detected in three asymptomatic samples. To further confirm the presence of INSV, complete nucleocapsid (N) gene of the virus were amplified and sequenced from two samples. BLAST analysis of the consensus sequence showed that two isolates (INSV-Hy1 and -Hy2) shared nucleotide sequence identities of 99% with each other and 97-99% with other INSV isolates available in the GenbBank. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these isolates closely related to the INSV isolates from ornamental from China. This is the first report of INSV on Hoya carnosa from Korea.