Virome Characterization of Native Wild-Rice Plants Discovers a Novel Pathogenic Rice Polerovirus With World-Wide...

Area of Science:

• Plant Virology
• Agricultural Science
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Zoonotic viruses pose threats to human health and agriculture.
• Wild plants harbor viral pathogens impacting crops.
• Rice is a crucial global food source.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize novel viral pathogens in wild rice.
• To investigate the transmission and impact of these viruses on cultivated rice.
• To assess the global threat of wild plant-origin viruses to rice production.

Main Methods:

• Virome analysis of wild rice colonies.
• Genomic characterization and comparative sequence analysis of the novel virus.
• Insect transmission studies using Rhopalosiphum padi.
• Generation of infectious cDNA clone for Rice less tiller virus (RLTV).
• Mechanical inoculation and stable genetic transformation of rice cultivars.

Main Results:

• Discovery and classification of Rice less tiller virus (RLTV), a new polerovirus species.
• RLTV is transmitted by the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi from wild to cultivated rice.
• RLTV causes less tiller disease symptoms in infected rice plants.
• Infectious cDNA clone demonstrated systemic infection and disease induction.
• RLTV and related poleroviruses are globally circulating in wild and cultivated rice.

Conclusions:

• Wild plants are a significant reservoir for rice viruses.
• RLTV poses an imminent threat to global rice cultivation.
• Aphid-mediated transmission of poleroviruses from wild to cultivated rice is a major concern for food security.