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ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Ascoviridae

Sassan Asgari1, Dennis K Bideshi2, Yves Bigot3

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.

The Journal of General Virology
|February 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Ascoviruses are dsDNA viruses infecting insect pests, controlling populations. This summary details the Ascoviridae family taxonomy, including genera Ascovirus and Toursvirus.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Entomology
  • Taxonomy

Background:

  • Ascoviridae are viruses with circular dsDNA genomes (100-200 kbp) and enveloped virions (200-400 nm).
  • Ascoviruses primarily infect lepidopteran larvae and are transmitted by parasitoid wasps, where replication can occur.
  • This viral family plays a role in biological pest control by causing high mortality in insect pests.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current taxonomy of the family Ascoviridae.
  • To provide an overview of the genera Ascovirus and Toursvirus.
  • To highlight the ecological significance of Ascoviridae in pest management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on Ascoviridae.
  • Analysis of viral genome characteristics (dsDNA, size).
  • Description of virion morphology and transmission vectors.

Main Results:

  • The family Ascoviridae comprises viruses with specific genomic and morphological features.
  • Two genera are recognized: Ascovirus and the distinct Toursvirus, which replicates in both insect and vector hosts.
  • Ascoviruses are significant agents for controlling economically important insect pests.

Conclusions:

  • The Ascoviridae family taxonomy provides a framework for understanding these insect-infecting viruses.
  • Ascoviruses and Toursvirus have unique replication strategies and ecological roles.
  • Understanding Ascoviridae taxonomy is crucial for their application in biological pest control strategies.

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