[Plant-infecting reoviruses]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Plant Pathology
• Entomology

Background:

• The family Reoviridae includes 15 genera, with 14 plant-infecting viruses in three genera: Phytoreovirus, Oryzavirus, and Fijivirus.
• Plant reoviruses cause substantial yield losses in rice and maize, threatening food security in Southeast Asia.
• These viruses are double-shelled, icosahedral particles (50-80nm) with segmented double-stranded RNA genomes (10-12 segments).

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of plant-infecting reoviruses.
• To highlight recent research progress on these viruses.
• To discuss strategies for viral control, including transgenic approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of plant-infecting reoviruses.
• Analysis of viral structure and replication.
• Examination of vector-borne transmission mechanisms.
• Review of control strategies, focusing on transgenic rice.

Main Results:

• Plant reoviruses are transmitted persistently by insect vectors and replicate in both plants and vectors.
• Outbreaks pose a significant threat to rice and maize production in Southeast Asia.
• Transgenic rice offers a potential strategy for controlling these viral diseases.

Conclusions:

• Plant-infecting reoviruses represent a major agricultural challenge.
• Continued research is crucial for understanding and managing these viruses.
• Innovative control methods, such as genetic modification of crops, show promise for future food security.