Turkish Journal of Botany, vol.49, no.3, pp.220-228, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
The widespread utilisation of deep sequencing has dramatically enhanced and revolutionised our understanding of virus diversity, particularly in complex environments such as soil and biological samples. This research explored mycovirus sequence analyses in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Amanita vidua, utilising deep sequencing alongside total double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) extractions. Our investigation unveiled a unique member of the proposed family, Narliviridae, designated as Amanita vidua narlivirus 1 (AvNV1), in an A. vidua specimen. AvNV1, classified under Amabiliviricetes, possesses a distinct genome structure and sequence attributes. Thorough analyses indicated that AvNV1 exhibits sequence similarities with other mycoviruses from the proposed family Narliviridae and forms a cluster within an as-yet-unclassified genus. The identification of AvNV1 contributes to the genetic variety of mycoviruses in the Amabiliviricetes category, providing insights into their evolutionary trajectory. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of delving into viral diversity in noncultivatable fungi, filling in gaps in our understanding of mycovirus ecology. Detecting a new narlivirus expands our knowledge of mycovirus diversity and evolution, illustrating the necessity for ongoing research into viral communities in noncultivatable fungi.