Viruses and viroids detected by next-generation sequencing analysis of persimmons in Japan

Some graft-transmissible diseases of persimmons have been reported in Japan. By 2008, virus-like filamentous particles were detected by electron microscopy and three viroids were identified by conventional molecular techniques. At present, to detect new viruses and viroids, we can perform next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis, and in 2013-2020 seven new viruses and a new viroid were discovered in persimmons. Although pathogenicity of almost all the viral species detected remains uncertain, co-infection by two viruses and one viroid was shown to cause stunting in ‘Reigyoku’, which may be related to poor growth of the cultivar. Despite its current limitations, NGS is very useful to analyze viral etiology in persimmon with symptoms.