The complete nucleotide sequence of the coat protein (CP) gene of Bermuda grass etched-line virus (BELV), including 376 nucleotides (nt) of the region to its 5' side, was determined and compared with sequences of the other viruses associated with the genus Marafivirus, substantiating the assignment of BELV to this group. The CP gene coding sequence was 585 nt in length. Inferred amino acid sequences showed homologies among marafiviral CP gene products ranging from 41% to 59%. A non-coding sequence motif characteristic of the marafiviruses lies in the region adjacent to the CP gene to the 5' side. In contrast to various homology levels in the coding regions of the CP genes, the interspecific sequence homology in this 18 nt motif was almost perfect.