Abstract
Luteovirus is a phytopathogenic monopartite virus of global importance. Re-assortment and recombination by exchanging
genome segments play vital role in the virus evolution. Differences in the breadth and specificity of host range, serology and
divergence of >10 % amino acids in any gene product (ORF) are the basis of Luteovirus species distinction. To confirm
taxonomic status, single ORF that may not accommodate / represent occurrence of genetic recombination (may be of
polythetic nature), therefore, may not be sufficient. Instead inference from the whole genome is required. We analyzed
distribution of a total of 94 available whole genome Luteovirus sequences in a consistent classification based on pairwise
sequence comparison. The adjustment of the two outlier sequences, being recognized, is also discussed.
