Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2025
08:56
Combining Analysis of DNA in a Crude Virion Extraction with the Analysis of RNA from Infected Leaves to Discover New Virus Genomes
Published on: July 27, 2018
11.1K
Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases Caused by Badnaviruses
Alangar Ishwara Bhat1, Ramasamy Selvarajan2, Velusamy Balasubramanian2
1Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode 673012, Kerala, India.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 25, 2023
Summary
Emerging badnavirus (dsDNA pararetroviruses) infections threaten crop yields globally. This review details their spread, genetic recombination, and discusses new management strategies for these significant plant pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Virology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Badnaviruses are dsDNA pararetroviruses impacting numerous economically vital crops.
- These viruses cause substantial yield losses in crops like banana, sugarcane, and grapevine.
- Their spread is facilitated by vegetative propagation and insect vectors (mealybugs, aphids).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging disease problems caused by badnaviruses.
- To highlight current and potential management strategies for badnavirus infections.
- To update the known diversity of badnavirus species affecting crops.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on badnaviruses.
- Analysis of badnavirus host range and spread mechanisms.
- Synthesis of information on disease emergence and management.
Main Results:
- The number of known badnavirus species has significantly increased from 32 (2016) to 68 (present).
- Recombination between virus strains can lead to new pathogenic variants, especially in vegetatively propagated crops.
- Viral genome integration into host chromosomes, coupled with abiotic stress, can trigger disease outbreaks.
Conclusions:
- Badnavirus infections represent a growing threat to global food security.
- Integrated management strategies, including conventional and precision breeding (genome editing), are crucial.
- Continued research and surveillance are necessary to combat emerging badnavirus diseases.
Related Concept Videos
00:57Viral Recombination
23.7K
Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
23.7K
00:36Viral Mutations
32.7K
A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
32.7K
01:29Subviral Agents
62
Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
62
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
68
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
68
01:29Viruses of Archaea
46
Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
46
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
5.2K
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
5.2K