The complete nucleotide sequence of the genome of the Monogeminivirus
sugarcane streak virus (SSV) was determined from cloned replicative fo
rm DNA. The genome is contained in one DNA circle of 2 7 58 nucleotide
s, and has four open reading frames with the potential to encode prote
ins of MW > 10 kDa: two in the viral ( + ) sense and two in the comple
mentary ( - ) sense. Each open reading frame has a counterpart among t
he open reading frames reported for other Monogeminiviruses. A potenti
al binding site for a DNA replication primer and potential transcripti
onal control sequences were identified on the (+) strand, and a possib
le intron on the (-) strand. Phylogenetic analysis of coat protein and
replication-associated protein sequences of SSV and other grass-infec
ting geminiviruses indicate that SSV, although distinct from any other
virus, is part of an ''African streak virus subgroup'' of Mono gemini
viruses.