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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
Summary
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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