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Taxonomy of potyviruses: current problems and some solutions
1CSIRO Division of Biomolecular Engineering, Parkville Laboratory, Vic., Australia.
Intervirology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Molecular and phenotypic data refine potyvirus taxonomy. Gene and coat protein sequences are key for distinguishing viruses and strains, supporting a revised classification and family status for potyviruses.
Area of Science:
- Plant Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Taxonomy
Background:
- Potyvirus taxonomy requires criteria for group specificity and strain differentiation.
- Existing methods include molecular and phenotypic characteristics, with varying utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate molecular and phenotypic parameters for potyvirus taxonomy.
- To establish robust criteria for classifying potyviruses, distinguishing viruses from strains, and defining evolutionary relationships.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of molecular parameters: gene sequence data, nucleic acid hybridization, coat protein sequence data, HPLC peptide profiles.
- Evaluation of phenotypic characteristics: particle morphology, host range, symptomatology, cross-protection, cytoplasmic inclusion morphology, serology.
Main Results:
- Coat protein and gene sequence data are the most effective criteria for distinguishing viruses from strains.
- These molecular data enable the establishment of evolutionary relationships within the potyvirus group.
- Revised classification and clarification of conflicting biological properties have been achieved.
Conclusions:
- The potyvirus group warrants elevation to family status.
- Vector transmission mode should define four genera, correlating with sequence diversity.
- Distinct potyviruses should be classified as species, and variants as strains.