Phenotypic evaluation of Rice yellow mottle virus isolates from Burkina Faso in single and multiple infections context

In the aim to test the hypothesis that multiple infections, both within viral species (between viral lineages) and between the two pathogens (virus and bacteria), impact the structure of viral population and fitness proxies, we collected virus and bacteria infecting rice in Burkina Faso in 2021 and 2022. Experimental work was performed with these pathogens, in order to evaluate the outcome of infections by RYMV viral isolates in different contexts. First, we aimed to complement a previous study (doi: 10.23708/MDQIUE) on the evaluation of the the pathogenicity of RYMV isolates in single infection (Objective 1). Second, we aimed to decipher the outcome of competition between RYMV isolates (Objective 2). Finally, we aimed to evidence the impact of co-infection with various Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzicola (Xoc) strains on the pathogenicity of RYMV isolates (Objective 3).