No abstract

The RNA of a previously described tobamovirus-like agent infecting hibiscus in Taiwan was molecularly characterized. Coat protein (CP) and movement protein (MP) genes of the virus isolates were cloned and the nucleic acid and the deduced amino acid sequences were analyzed. Results show that the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of tobamovirus-like agent share high sequence homology with Hibiscus virus S (HVS) but less with Florida hibiscus virus (FHV), indicating that the hibiscus virus isolates occurring in Taiwan are different strains of HVS.