Abstract

A nucleotide sequence is reported for RNA-3, the smallest of the 3 major RNA species found in particles of raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV). The sequence of 946 nucleotides contains a single large open reading frame which encodes an M_r 30 509 polypeptide. In vitro translation of RNA-3 yielded an M_r 30 000 product that reacted specifically with antiserum to RBDV particles and it is concluded that the amino acid sequence deduced from the sequence of RNA-3 is that of the RBDV coat protein, or an immediate precursor of it. No affinities were detected by comparing the nucleotide sequence of RNA-3 with the sequences of other plant viruses.