Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the RNA 1 of lilac leaf chlorosis virus (LLCV) supports a close relationship with subgroup 3 ilarviruses. LLCV RNA 1 consists of 3404 nucleotides (nt) and encodes a single open reading frame consisting of 3111 nt. The deduced protein (M(r) 117 kDa) contains the putative methyltransferase domain in the N-terminal region, and the NTPase/helicase domain in the C-terminal region. A conserved 41-nt region was identified at the distal end of the 3'UTR of all three genomic fragments of LLCV, with hairpin structures that may constitute putative coat protein binding sites.