Benyviridae

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Benyviridae
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:	Tymovirales
Family:	'Benyviridae'

Benyviridae is a family of positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses that primarily infect plants. Members of this family are known to cause economically significant diseases in a variety of crops, leading to substantial agricultural losses. The family Benyviridae is part of the order Tymovirales.

Characteristics

Benyviridae viruses are characterized by their positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genomes. The genome is typically monopartite, meaning it consists of a single RNA molecule. The RNA genome is encapsidated in a non-enveloped, rod-shaped virion. The length of the genome can vary, but it generally ranges from 6,000 to 7,000 nucleotides.

The replication of Benyviridae occurs in the cytoplasm of the host cell. The virus enters the host cell, and the RNA genome is released into the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for translation and replication. The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase synthesizes a complementary negative-sense RNA strand, which then serves as a template for the production of new positive-sense RNA genomes.

Transmission

Benyviridae viruses are primarily transmitted through soil and water, often via the movement of infected plant debris. Some members of this family are also transmitted by fungal vectors, which facilitate the spread of the virus from one plant to another. The transmission through vectors is a critical factor in the epidemiology of the diseases caused by these viruses.

Economic Impact

The diseases caused by Benyviridae viruses can lead to significant yield losses in affected crops. For example, the Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), a member of the Benyviridae family, is responsible for the disease known as "rhizomania" in sugar beets. This disease can cause severe root deformities and reduce sugar yield, leading to substantial economic losses for farmers.

Genera

The family Benyviridae includes the following genera:

• Benivirus

Also see

• Tymovirales
• Positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus
• Plant virus
• Viral transmission