Identification and distribution of grapevine virus T in Greek vineyards

Abstract Grapevine virus T (GVT) near-complete sequences were identified for the first time in Greek vineyards through the application of high-throughput sequencing in total RNA from grapevine samples. Further monitoring of GVT in Greek vineyards by RT-PCR revealed its presence in 15.32% (19/124) of the tested samples, which originated from eight mainly local cultivars situated in four viticultural areas of Greece. Complete genome and TGB1 gene (ORF2) sequence analysis revealed a high degree of genetic variability among GVT isolates, while phylogenetic analysis grouped the Greek isolates in different phylogroups, showing high genetic distances among them.