Tobacco etch virus

Error creating thumbnail:

1440034-PPT

Tobacco etch virus

Tobacco etch virus (TEV) is a plant pathogenic virus that infects a wide range of plant species. It belongs to the genus Potyvirus within the family Potyviridae. TEV is known for causing significant damage to crops such as tobacco, pepper, and tomato.

Discovery

TEV was first identified in tobacco plants in the early 20th century. It was later characterized as a filamentous virus with a single-stranded RNA genome. Research on TEV has provided valuable insights into plant-virus interactions and viral evolution.

Symptoms

Infected plants typically exhibit symptoms such as mosaic patterns on leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield. In severe cases, TEV infection can lead to plant death. The virus is primarily transmitted through mechanical means, such as contaminated tools or hands.

Management

Effective management strategies for TEV include the use of resistant plant varieties, strict sanitation practices to prevent virus spread, and the application of insecticides to control aphid vectors. Early detection and prompt removal of infected plants can help prevent further spread of the virus.

Research

Scientists continue to study TEV to better understand its molecular biology, host range, and mechanisms of pathogenicity. Advances in biotechnology have enabled the development of genetically engineered plants with enhanced resistance to TEV and other potyviruses.

See also

• Potyvirus
• Plant pathology
• Viral disease