GVB in muscadine grape (Florida, 2023–2025): HTS contigs and three 1,033-bp RT-PCR consensus sequences
This study characterizes Grapevine virus B (GVB) detected in muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia) collected in Florida during May 2023, July 2024, and April/May 2025. Petiole tissues from vines at the G1 Foundation Clean Vineyard were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and endpoint RT-PCR. HTS yielded multiple GVB consensus contigs, including four near-full-length fragments and several partial contigs (largest ~5.5 kb). In parallel, three representative 1,033-bp RT-PCR Sanger consensus sequences spanning the RNA-binding domain and coat protein were generated to represent distinct local variant clusters. BLAST comparisons indicated closest similarity to MN716773.1, with divergence across much of the genome and partial but perfect identity only within aligned segments. Submitted records comprise targeted viral sequences (contigs and three RT-PCR consensus sequences) to support traceability and assay development; the study will remain on hold until publication.