A new crinivirus was detected in strawberry plant (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) using high-throughput sequencing. The consensus genome was validated using RT-PCR, cloning and RACE. The complete genome sequence consists of two single-stranded RNAs of 8.8 and 7.1 Kb. The virus shares 37 – 56% nucleotide identity to previously described criniviruses. The RNA-depended RNA polymerase was most similar to tetterwort vein chlorosis virus with 66% aa identity whereas the heat shock protein 70 homolog showed the highest sequence identity to the lettuce chlorosis virus ortholog with 74% aa identity. Given the low sequence similarities with known criniviruses the virus should be considered a new member of the genus. Phylogenetic analysis of the RdRP placed the virus in Crinivirus Group 2 and supported its assignment to a new species within the genus Crinivirus. The virus was detected at high prevalence in the two main strawberry growing areas of Iran and verified to be whitefly-transmissible.
