Status of the current vitivirus taxonomy
H J Maree1,2, A G Blouin3,4, A Diaz-Lara5
1Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa. hjmaree@sun.ac.za.
Archives of Virology
|December 18, 2019
Summary
Vitivirus classification faces challenges due to new discoveries and naming inconsistencies. This report clarifies the current taxonomy of the Vitivirus genus, essential for plant virology research.
Area of Science:
- Plant Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Taxonomy
Background:
- The genus Vitivirus currently includes 15 recognized species by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses.
- Recent discoveries of new vitiviruses challenge existing classification criteria.
- Inconsistencies arise from non-vitivirus grapevine viruses and non-grapevine vitiviruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the genus Vitivirus.
- To clarify the current taxonomic status of vitiviruses.
- To address inconsistencies in vitivirus classification.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and genomic data.
- Analysis of species demarcation criteria for Vitivirus.
- Comparative analysis of grapevine and non-grapevine vitiviruses.
Main Results:
- Identification of inconsistencies in the current Vitivirus classification system.
- Evaluation of newly sequenced viruses against established criteria.
- Distinction between true vitiviruses and other related viruses.
Conclusions:
- The current taxonomy of the genus Vitivirus requires clarification.
- Adherence to established demarcation criteria is crucial for accurate classification.
- Further research is needed to resolve taxonomic ambiguities within the Vitivirus genus.
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