Lavender harbours more viruses than previously thought: First report of Raspberry ringspot virus and Phlox virus M in Lavandula x intermedia.

Plants of the genus Lavandula are thought to be rarely infected by viruses. To date, only alfalfa mosaic virus, cucumber mosaic virus, tobacco mosaic virus, and tomato spotted wilt virus have been reported in this host. In this study, we identified for the first time raspberry ringspot virus (RpRSV) and phlox virus M (PhlVM) in lavender, using herbaceous indexing, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and high-throughput sequencing. Nearly complete genome sequences for both viruses were determined. Phylogenetic and serological characterisations suggest that the obtained RpRSV isolate is a raspberry strain. A preliminary survey of 166 samples indicates RpRSV was spread only in the lavender cultivar 'Grosso' while PhlVM was detected in multiple lavender cultivars. Although RpRSV raspberry strain may have spread throughout Auckland and nearby areas in New Zealand, it is very likely restricted to the genus Lavandula or even to the cultivar 'Grosso', due to the absence or limited occurrence of the nematode vector. Interestingly, all infected lavender plants, regardless of their infection status (by RpRSV or PhlVM or both) were asymptomatic. RpRSV is an important virus that infects horticultural crops including grapevine, cherry, berry fruits and rose. It remains on the list of regulated pests in New Zealand. RpRSV testing is mandatory for imported Fragaria, Prunus, Ribes, Rosa, Rubus, and Vitis nursery stock or seeds for sowing while this is not required for Lavandula importation. Our study revealed that lavender could play a role not only as a reservoir but also as an uncontrolled import pathway of viruses that pose threat to New Zealand's primary industries.