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13 pages, 2116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Stable Infectious cDNA Clones of Tomato Black Ring Virus Tagged with Green Fluorescent Protein

by Aleksandra Zarzyńska-Nowak, Julia Minicka, Przemysław Wieczorek and Beata Hasiów-Jaroszewska

Viruses 2024, 16(1), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16010125 - 15 Jan 2024

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Abstract

Tomato black ring virus (TBRV) is a member of the Nepovirus genus in the Secoviridae family, which infects a wide range of important crop species worldwide. In this work, we constructed four cDNA infectious clones of the TBRV tagged with the green fluorescent [...] Read more.

Tomato black ring virus (TBRV) is a member of the Nepovirus genus in the Secoviridae family, which infects a wide range of important crop species worldwide. In this work, we constructed four cDNA infectious clones of the TBRV tagged with the green fluorescent protein (TBRV-GFP), which varied in (i) the length of the sequences flanking the GFP insert, (ii) the position of the GFP insert within the RNA2 polyprotein, and (iii) the addition of a self-cutting 2A protein. The presence of the GFP coding sequence in infected plants was verified by RT-PCR, while the infectivity and stability of the constructs were verified by mechanical inoculation of the host plants. The systemic spread of TBRV-GFP within plants was observed under UV light at a macroscopic level, monitoring GFP-derived fluorescence in leaves, and at a microscopic level using confocal microscopy. The obtained clones are a valuable tool for future studies of TBRV-host interactions, virus biology, and the long-term monitoring of its distribution in infected plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Virus Epidemiology and Control 2023)

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11 pages, 2478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antiviral Activity of Ailanthone from Ailanthus altissima on the Rice Stripe Virus

by Qingwei Tan, Jianxuan Zhu, Yuanyuan Ju, Xinlin Chi, Tangdan Cao, Luping Zheng and Qijian Chen

Viruses 2024, 16(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16010073 - 31 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Rice stripe disease caused by the rice stripe virus (RSV), which infects many Poaceae species in nature, is one of the most devastating plant viruses in rice that causes enormous losses in production. Ailanthone is one of the typical C₂₀ quassinoids synthesized [...] Read more.

Rice stripe disease caused by the rice stripe virus (RSV), which infects many Poaceae species in nature, is one of the most devastating plant viruses in rice that causes enormous losses in production. Ailanthone is one of the typical C₂₀ quassinoids synthesized by the secondary metabolism of Ailanthus altissima, which has been proven to be a biologically active natural product with promising prospects and great potential for use as a lead structure for pesticide development. Based on the achievement of the systemic infection and replication of RSV in Nicotiana benthamiana plants and rice protoplasts, the antiviral properties of Ailanthone were investigated by determining its effects on viral-coding RNA gene expression using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. Ailanthone exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on RSV NSvc3 expression in the assay in both virus-infected tobacco plants and rice protoplasts. Further efforts revealed a potent inhibitory effect of Ailanthone on the expression of seven RSV protein-encoding genes, among which NS3, NSvc3, NS4, and NSvc4 are the most affected genes. These facts promoted an extended and greater depth of understanding of the antiviral nature of Ailanthone against plant viruses, in addition to the limited knowledge of its anti-tobacco mosaic virus properties. Moreover, the leaf disc method introduced and developed in the study for the detection of the antiviral activity of Ailanthone facilitates an available and convenient screening method for anti-RSV natural products or synthetic chemicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Virus Epidemiology and Control 2023)

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14 pages, 3203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Dynamic of the Ratio between Monopartite Begomoviruses and Their Associated Betasatellites in Plants, and Its Modulation by the Viral Gene βC1

by Yi-Jie Wu, Yi-Ming Liu, Heng-Yu Li, Shu-Sheng Liu and Li-Long Pan

Viruses 2023, 15(4), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15040954 - 13 Apr 2023

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Abstract

The begomovirus–betasatellite complex constantly threatens crops in Asia. However, the quantitative relationship between begomoviruses and betasatellites remains largely unknown. The quantities of tobacco curly shoot virus (TbCSV) and its betasatellite (TbCSB) and their ratio varied significantly in initial infection, and thereafter, the ratio [...] Read more.

The begomovirus–betasatellite complex constantly threatens crops in Asia. However, the quantitative relationship between begomoviruses and betasatellites remains largely unknown. The quantities of tobacco curly shoot virus (TbCSV) and its betasatellite (TbCSB) and their ratio varied significantly in initial infection, and thereafter, the ratio tended to become constant. The TbCSB/TbCSV ratio in agrobacteria inoculum significantly affected that in plants in the initial infection but not thereafter. Null-mutation of βC1 that encodes a multifunctional protein important for pathogenesis in TbCSB significantly reduced the TbCSB/TbCSV ratio in plants. Viral inoculum plants with higher TbCSB/TbCSV ratios promoted whitefly transmission of the virus. The expression of AV1 encoded by TbCSV, βC1 encoded by TbCSB and the βC1/AV1 ratio varied significantly in the initial infection and thereafter the ratio tended to become constant. Additionally, the temporal dynamics of the ratio between another begomovirus and its betasatellite was similar to that of TbCSV and was positively regulated by βC1. These results indicate that the ratio between monopartite begomoviruses and betasatellites tend to become constant as infection progresses, and is modulated by βC1, but a higher betasatellite/begomovirus ratio in virally inoculated plants promotes virus transmission by whiteflies. Our findings provide novel insights into the association between begomoviruses and betasatellites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Virus Epidemiology and Control 2023)

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Review

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49 pages, 5370 KiB

Open AccessReview

Australian Cool-Season Pulse Seed-Borne Virus Research: 1. Alfalfa and Cucumber Mosaic Viruses and Less Important Viruses

by Roger A. C. Jones and Benjamin S. Congdon

Viruses 2024, 16(1), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16010144 - 18 Jan 2024

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Abstract

Here, we review the research undertaken since the 1950s in Australia’s grain cropping regions on seed-borne virus diseases of cool-season pulses caused by alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). We present brief background information about the continent’s pulse industry, virus [...] Read more.

Here, we review the research undertaken since the 1950s in Australia’s grain cropping regions on seed-borne virus diseases of cool-season pulses caused by alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). We present brief background information about the continent’s pulse industry, virus epidemiology, management principles and future threats to virus disease management. We then take a historical approach towards all past investigations with these two seed-borne pulse viruses in the principal cool-season pulse crops grown: chickpea, faba bean, field pea, lentil, narrow-leafed lupin and white lupin. With each pathosystem, the main focus is on its biology, epidemiology and management, placing particular emphasis on describing field and glasshouse experimentation that enabled the development of effective phytosanitary, cultural and host resistance control strategies. Past Australian cool-season pulse investigations with AMV and CMV in the less commonly grown species (vetches, narbon bean, fenugreek, yellow and pearl lupin, grass pea and other Lathyrus species) and those with the five less important seed-borne pulse viruses also found (broad bean stain virus, broad bean true mosaic virus, broad bean wilt virus, cowpea mild mottle virus and peanut mottle virus) are also summarized. The need for future research is emphasized, and recommendations are made regarding what is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Virus Epidemiology and Control 2023)

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14 pages, 1008 KiB

Open AccessReview

Epidemiology and Diagnostics of Cacao Swollen Shoot Disease in Ghana: Past Research Achievements and Knowledge Gaps to Guide Future Research

by George A. Ameyaw, Owusu Domfeh and Ebenezer Gyamera

Viruses 2024, 16(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16010043 - 27 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Cacao swollen shoot disease (CSSD) caused by complexes of cacao swollen shoot badnaviruses (family Caulimoviridae, genus Badnavirus) remains highly prevalent and devastating in West Africa. The disease continues to impact substantially on cacao yield loss, cacao tree mortality, and decline in [...] Read more.

Cacao swollen shoot disease (CSSD) caused by complexes of cacao swollen shoot badnaviruses (family Caulimoviridae, genus Badnavirus) remains highly prevalent and devastating in West Africa. The disease continues to impact substantially on cacao yield loss, cacao tree mortality, and decline in foreign exchange income from cacao bean sales. Currently, the disease is estimated to have a prevalence rate of over 30% in Ghana, as assessed in the ongoing third country-wide surveillance program. Although achievements from past research interventions have greatly elucidated the etiology, biology, epidemiology, diagnostics, and management of the disease, there are some outstanding knowledge gaps. The role of these information gaps and their effect on CSSD epidemiology and prevalence remain unanswered. This paper summarizes existing scientific knowledge from past research achievements that have provided elucidation on CSSD epidemiology, management options, and guided future research. The discussion highlights the need for multidisciplinary research with modern tools and institutional collaborators to holistically bring clarity on knowledge gaps on pathogen biology, virus–host-–vector interactions, role of environmental and soil nutrient effects on CSSD severity, evolution pattern, role of alternative hosts on virus species diversity, vector population dynamics, and their overall impact on CSSD prevalence and integrated management in cacao plantations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Virus Epidemiology and Control 2023)

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15 pages, 2720 KiB

Open AccessReview

Whitefly-Transmitted Viruses of Cucurbits in the Southern United States

by Ragunathan Devendran, Saritha Raman Kavalappara, Alvin M. Simmons and Sudeep Bag

Viruses 2023, 15(11), 2278; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15112278 - 20 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1342

Abstract

Cucurbits are economically important crops that are widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including the southern US. In recent years, higher temperatures have favored the rapid build-up of whiteflies in the fall-grown cucurbits in this region. As a result, whitefly-transmitted viruses [...] Read more.

Cucurbits are economically important crops that are widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including the southern US. In recent years, higher temperatures have favored the rapid build-up of whiteflies in the fall-grown cucurbits in this region. As a result, whitefly-transmitted viruses (WTVs) have severely impacted the marketable yield of cucurbits. In this review, we discuss three major groups of WTVs negatively impacting cucurbit cultivation in the southern US, including begomoviruses, criniviruses, and ipomoviruses. Here, we discuss the available information on the biology, epidemiology and advances made toward detecting and managing these viruses, including sources of resistance and cultural practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Virus Epidemiology and Control 2023)

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14 pages, 2297 KiB

Open AccessReview

Urdbean Leaf Crinkle Virus: A Mystery Waiting to Be Solved

by Naimuddin Kamaal, Mohammad Akram, Aditya Pratap, Deepender Kumar and Ramakrishnan M. Nair

Viruses 2023, 15(10), 2120; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15102120 - 19 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1384

Abstract

Urdbean leaf crinkle disease (ULCD) affects mainly the urdbean or blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) causing distinct symptoms that often result in serious yield losses. It has been known to occur for more than five decades and is considered to be of [...] Read more.

Urdbean leaf crinkle disease (ULCD) affects mainly the urdbean or blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) causing distinct symptoms that often result in serious yield losses. It has been known to occur for more than five decades and is considered to be of viral etiology. The identity of the causal agent, often referred to as the urdbean leaf crinkle virus, is not unequivocally proved. There are few attempts to characterize the causal agent of ULCD; however, there is no unanimity in the results. Recent attempts to characterize the causal agent of ULCD using next-generation sequencing of the virome of ULCD-affected urdbean plants indicated the involvement of cowpea mild mottle virus; however, without conforming through Koch’s postulates, the etiology of ULCD remains inconclusive. Claims of different insect vectors involved in the transmission of ULCD make this disease even more mysterious. The information available so far indicates that either two different viruses are causing ULCD or a mixture of viruses is involved. The identity of the virus/es causing ULCD still remains to be unambiguously ascertained. In this review, we attempt to analyze information on the various aspects of ULCD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Virus Epidemiology and Control 2023)

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Other

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19 pages, 2290 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceTechnical Note

Robust Approaches to the Quantitative Analysis of Genome Formula Variation in Multipartite and Segmented Viruses

by Marcelle L. Johnson and Mark P. Zwart

Viruses 2024, 16(2), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16020270 - 8 Feb 2024

Viewed by 750

Abstract

When viruses have segmented genomes, the set of frequencies describing the abundance of segments is called the genome formula. The genome formula is often unbalanced and highly variable for both segmented and multipartite viruses. A growing number of studies are quantifying the genome [...] Read more.

When viruses have segmented genomes, the set of frequencies describing the abundance of segments is called the genome formula. The genome formula is often unbalanced and highly variable for both segmented and multipartite viruses. A growing number of studies are quantifying the genome formula to measure its effects on infection and to consider its ecological and evolutionary implications. Different approaches have been reported for analyzing genome formula data, including qualitative description, applying standard statistical tests such as ANOVA, and customized analyses. However, these approaches have different shortcomings, and test assumptions are often unmet, potentially leading to erroneous conclusions. Here, we address these challenges, leading to a threefold contribution. First, we propose a simple metric for analyzing genome formula variation: the genome formula distance. We describe the properties of this metric and provide a framework for understanding metric values. Second, we explain how this metric can be applied for different purposes, including testing for genome-formula differences and comparing observations to a reference genome formula value. Third, we re-analyze published data to illustrate the applications and weigh the evidence for previous conclusions. Our re-analysis of published datasets confirms many previous results but also provides evidence that the genome formula can be carried over from the inoculum to the virus population in a host. The simple procedures we propose contribute to the robust and accessible analysis of genome-formula data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Virus Epidemiology and Control 2023)

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