Genetic variability ofPotato virus Y(PVY) andTobacco etch virus(TEV) from naturally infected pepper fields in the Hatay region of Turkey

The genetic structure of Potato virus Y (PVY) and Tobacco etch virus (TEV) (Potyvirus) populations was investigated in pepper fields in two regions in Turkey. The diversity of PVY and TEV populations according to coat protein (CP) and VPg coding regions showed some similarity. All the isolates built a monophyletic group due to a single introduction event or multiple introductions of genetically similar isolates. All the isolates of both viruses showed evidence to the diversification for a long time. Based on VPg and CP sequences, all PVY isolates corresponded to clade C1. Turkish potyvirus isolates were only able to break the pvr21 resistance allele and therefore belonged to pathotype (0, 1). The Pvr4 dominant gene was found to be efficient and durable against PVY but not at all efficient against TEV. Consequently, the pvr22 resistance allele, efficient resistance against PVY and TEV pathotype (0, 1) isolates, would be the most suitable strategy to control potyviruses.