Fimoviridae

Fimoviridae

The Fimoviridae is a family of plant viruses that belong to the order Bunyavirales. These viruses are known to infect a variety of plant species, causing significant agricultural impact. The family is characterized by its segmented, negative-sense single-stranded RNA genome and its transmission by eriophyid mites.

Taxonomy

The family Fimoviridae is part of the order Bunyavirales, which includes several other families of viruses. Within Fimoviridae, there is currently one recognized genus:

• Emaravirus

The type species of this genus is the European mountain ash ringspot-associated virus (EMARaV).

Genome and Structure

Fimoviridae viruses have a segmented genome consisting of four to six segments of negative-sense single-stranded RNA. Each segment encodes one or more proteins, including the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), glycoproteins, and nucleocapsid proteins.

The virions are enveloped and spherical, with a diameter of approximately 80-120 nm. The envelope is derived from the host cell membrane and contains viral glycoproteins that are essential for host cell entry and virus transmission.

Transmission

Fimoviridae viruses are primarily transmitted by eriophyid mites, which are tiny arthropods that feed on plant tissues. The mites acquire the virus while feeding on infected plants and can transmit it to healthy plants during subsequent feedings.

Symptoms and Host Range

Infected plants often exhibit symptoms such as chlorotic ringspots, leaf distortion, and stunted growth. The host range of Fimoviridae viruses includes a variety of economically important crops and ornamental plants.

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis of Fimoviridae infections typically involves molecular techniques such as RT-PCR to detect viral RNA. Management strategies focus on controlling the mite vectors through the use of acaricides and cultural practices to reduce mite populations.

Research and Importance

Research on Fimoviridae is important for understanding the molecular biology of segmented RNA viruses and for developing effective control measures to mitigate their impact on agriculture. The study of these viruses also contributes to the broader understanding of virus-vector interactions and plant pathology.

Also see

• Bunyavirales
• Plant virus
• RNA virus
• Virus transmission

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