Viral RNA-Seq Analysis of okra crop
This study reports the first identification and complete genome sequence of a novel Carlavirus infecting okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in Iraq. A virus isolate designated Okra mild mottle virus (OMMV) Okra/Iraq-1 was detected from symptomatic okra plants exhibiting mild mottle and mosaic symptoms. High-throughput sequencing was used to obtain the complete viral genome, followed by assembly and molecular characterization. Comparative sequence analysis revealed that the OMMV Okra/Iraq-1 isolate shares 74.30-87.71 percent nucleotide identity with several isolates of Cowpea mild mottle virus, indicating that it represents a distinct isolate within the Carlavirus group. This work constitutes the first report and full genome characterization of Okra mild mottle virus in Iraq, providing important insights into the diversity and distribution of plant viruses affecting okra and supporting future studies on virus epidemiology and disease management.