Phylogenetic and recombination analysis of sorghum isolates of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus

Recombination has played an important role in evolution and genetic diversity of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) isolates sequenced to date. This study found that three newly sequenced SCYLV sorghum isolates from the USA underwent intraspecies recombination. No statistical significance on probable progeny–parent relationships involving SCYLV sorghum isolates were found in possible interspecies recombination with 18 members of the Luteoviridae family. Sorghum isolates deposited in the GenBank database under accession numbers KT960995, KT960996 and KT960997 were phylogenetically closely related to SCYLV genotypes IND, CUB and CHN1, all members of phylogroup II. Networked relationships among the sorghum isolates showed that numerous incompatibilities occurred in the sequences. These conflicting signals were probably due to recombination, especially in KT960997, which was heavily impacted by recombination. The KT960997 accession was positioned on a distinct branch compared to other members of phylogroup II, suggesting that it has probably emerged as a new genotype. Future studies on molecular evolution may reveal further insights into the adaptation capacity of these SCYLV lineages to new environments.