Plant virus detection and diversity in a mixed tree fruit orchard determined through metagenomic-based analysis of honeybee (Apis mellifera) collected samples

iruses pose a significant threat to agricultural production, especially in long-lived fruit orchards where profitability of individual plants can take years to achieve. Over time, fruit trees can accumulate various viruses, leading to complex mixed infections. Furthermore, emerging viruses can create epidemics causing significant losses. Effective monitoring approaches can reduce these impacts through management practices. Pollination is an essential aspect of fruit production, and pollen can also be a major transmission route for plant viruses. Honeybees (Apis mellifera) collect pollen and nectar from multiple plant individuals, and commercial honeybee pollination services are routinely used in tree fruit production systems. Applying genomics-based sequencing technologies on bees and bee-collected plant material can allow for the detection of plant viruses from multiple individuals in a wide area. Using RNA extracted from bee-related samples, plant virus diversity was profiled at Agriculture and Agrifood Canada (AAFC) Jordan Farm; a long-term mixed tree fruit production orchard in Jordan, Ontario, containing tree fruit species including apricots (Prunus armeniaca), cherries (Prunus avium), peaches (Prunus persica), and apples (Malus domestica). Genomics-based sequencing on bees and bee-related plant material collected during peak bloom periods for each plant species revealed 21 viral species. Cherry virus A (CVA), prune dwarf virus (PDV), and prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) were the most frequently detected viruses, identified in all samples and time points. The nucleotide sequence diversity of the coat protein regions of CVA, PDV, and PNRSV was further analyzed through pairwise comparisons and phylogeny, demonstrating a large diversity of viral sequences in this system. The results of this project indicate that bee-mediated area- wide metagenomics-based virus monitoring can be applied to allow for site-specific or regional pathogen profiling and more targeted and informed management approaches.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.Sc. Biological Sciences

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Faculty of Mathematics and Science

Department dc:contributor.department

Department of Biological Sciences

Grantor dc:publisher

Brock University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Vansiya, Rushirajsinh

• Virus
• Plant disease
• Pollination
• Honeybee

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10464/19277

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:brocku.scholaris.ca:10464/19277