Viruses infecting macrofungi

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Virology
• Fungal Genetics

Background:

• Fungal viruses have been identified across diverse fungal taxa since their initial discovery 56 years ago.
• While viruses detrimental to phytopathogenic fungi are well-studied for plant protection, knowledge of viruses infecting macrofungi remains limited.
• Currently, over 80 distinct viruses with linear dsRNA or positive-sense ssRNA genomes infecting 34 macrofungal species are known, including 14 edible types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of viruses infecting macrofungi.
• To summarize current knowledge on macrofungal viruses, including their characteristics, classification, and identified species.
• To highlight research gaps and suggest future directions in the study of macrofungal viruses.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of previous, recent, and prospective studies on fungal viruses.
• Compilation and synthesis of data on identified macrofungal viruses and their hosts.
• Analysis of viral genome types (dsRNA, ssRNA) and their classification according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).

Main Results:

• Macrofungal viruses are classified into five families (dsRNA genome) and seven families (ssRNA genome) under the 10th ICTV Report.
• A total of 34 macrofungal species, comprising four Ascomycota and 30 Basidiomycota, are known to be infected by these viruses.
• Among the infected species, 14 are cultivated or wild edible mushrooms, underscoring their economic and ecological relevance.

Conclusions:

• Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding viruses that infect macrofungi compared to microfungi.
• Further research is crucial to fully understand the diversity, impact, and potential applications of macrofungal viruses.
• This review serves as a comprehensive resource and a call for continued investigation into this understudied area of virology.