Tobacco mosaic virus

Definition

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is a well-studied viral pathogen that primarily infects plants, particularly tobacco and other members of the Solanaceae family. This virus is known for its distinctive mottled appearance on infected leaves and its ability to spread rapidly through mechanical means, making it a significant concern in agriculture and plant biology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. TMV was the first virus ever discovered and has served as a model organism for studying viral structure and function.
2. Infected plants often show symptoms such as mottled leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields, impacting agricultural productivity.
3. TMV can be transmitted through mechanical means, such as handling infected plants or tools, and can persist in the environment on surfaces for extended periods.
4. This virus has a rod-shaped structure and contains single-stranded RNA as its genetic material, which is unusual compared to many other plant viruses.
5. Research on TMV has led to advances in plant virology and has informed the development of disease-resistant crop varieties.

Review Questions

• How does the transmission method of tobacco mosaic virus impact its control in agricultural settings?
  • Tobacco mosaic virus is primarily transmitted through mechanical means, such as contact with infected plants or contaminated tools. This mode of transmission makes it particularly challenging to control, as it can spread quickly in farming environments where many plants are handled. Effective management strategies must include proper sanitation practices, such as sterilizing tools and avoiding the handling of infected plants to prevent further spread of the virus.
• Discuss the implications of the symptoms caused by tobacco mosaic virus for crop yield and quality.
  • The symptoms associated with tobacco mosaic virus, including mottled leaves and stunted growth, directly affect crop yield and quality. Infected plants often produce fewer flowers or fruits, leading to decreased harvests. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of the crops may diminish due to visible symptoms, impacting marketability. Understanding these implications is critical for farmers to adopt preventative measures to protect their crops from this viral infection.
• Evaluate the significance of tobacco mosaic virus in advancing research in plant virology and crop protection.
  • Tobacco mosaic virus has played a crucial role in advancing research in plant virology due to its early discovery and characterization. Its simple structure and well-understood life cycle make it an ideal model for studying viral replication and interactions with host cells. This research has led to significant insights into viral diseases in plants and informed breeding programs for disease-resistant crop varieties. The ongoing study of TMV continues to influence strategies for managing viral infections in agriculture worldwide.

Related terms

Viral replication: The process by which viruses reproduce within a host cell, leading to the production of new virus particles.

Plant pathology: The study of plant diseases, including those caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens.

Symptoms of viral infection: Visible signs that indicate a plant is infected by a virus, which may include stunted growth, discoloration, and abnormal leaf shapes.