Complete sequence and genetic characterization of a novel segmented RNA virus infecting Nilaparvata lugens

Abstract The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is a significant agricultural pest capable of long-distance migration and transmitting severe rice viruses. This study identified a novel segmented RNA virus in BPH, displaying a close homology to members of a recently discovered virus lineage known as "Quenyaviruses" within the Orthornavia virus kingdom. This newly identified virus was named "Nilaparvata lugens Quenyavirus" (NLQV). NLQV consists of five positive-sense, single-stranded RNAs (+ ssRNAs), with each segment encoding a single open reading frame (ORF). The genomic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis support the classification of NLQV as a novel member of the Quenyaviruses. Notably, all NLRV segments share the 5'-terminal sequence AUCUG. The characteristic vsiRNA profile of NLQV suggests that the antiviral RNAi pathway of host BPH was activated in response to virus infection. Remarkably, these findings represent the first documented report of Quenyaviruses in planthoppers, contributing to our understanding of Quenyaviruses and expanding our knowledge of insect-specific viruses in planthoppers.