Tospoviridae

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Tospoviridae
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:	Bunyavirales
Family:	Tospoviridae

Tospoviridae is a family of viruses within the order Bunyavirales. This family is known for containing plant-infecting viruses, with the most notable genus being Orthotospovirus. Members of this family are responsible for significant agricultural damage worldwide, affecting a wide range of crops.

Virology

Tospoviridae are enveloped viruses with a spherical morphology. They possess a segmented, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome. The genome is typically divided into three segments: Large (L), Medium (M), and Small (S). These segments encode for various proteins essential for the virus's replication and infection processes.

Genome Structure

The L segment encodes the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which is crucial for viral replication. The M segment encodes the glycoproteins, which are involved in host cell entry and movement within the host. The S segment encodes the nucleocapsid protein and a non-structural protein that plays a role in suppressing host defenses.

Transmission

Tospoviridae are primarily transmitted by thrips, small insects that feed on plant tissues. The virus is acquired by thrips during feeding and can be transmitted to new host plants as the thrips move and feed. This mode of transmission makes controlling the spread of Tospoviridae challenging, as it involves both managing the insect vector and the virus itself.

Pathology

Infected plants often exhibit symptoms such as chlorotic spots, necrosis, stunted growth, and reduced yield. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the host plant species and the specific virus strain. Some of the economically important viruses in this family include Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV).

Economic Impact

Tospoviridae have a significant impact on agriculture due to their ability to infect a wide range of economically important crops, including tomatoes, peppers, peanuts, and ornamentals. The management of these viruses involves integrated pest management strategies, including the use of resistant plant varieties, chemical control of thrips, and cultural practices to reduce virus spread.

Also see

• Bunyavirales
• Orthotospovirus
• Tomato spotted wilt virus
• Thrips