Phylogenetic analyses of the 3' terminal region of a potyvirus naturally infecting sesame (Sesamum indicum) in Georgia indicated that the virus belongs to the passionfruit woodiness potyvirus subgroup, and is most closely related to cowpea aphid-borne mosaic potyvirus (CABMV) and South African passiflora potyvirus. Based on the sequence identity, this virus is a strain of CABMV. Use of degenerate primers, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, cloning and sequence analysis allowed us to rapidly determine the taxonomic status of this potyvirus.