Luteoviridae

Definition

Luteoviridae is a family of plant viruses that primarily infects vascular plants, causing significant agricultural damage. These viruses are characterized by their small, non-enveloped particles and their ability to be transmitted by aphids, which makes them particularly concerning for crop production and plant health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Luteoviridae viruses have a single-stranded RNA genome, which is crucial for their replication within host plant cells.
2. These viruses typically induce symptoms such as chlorosis (yellowing of leaves), stunting, and in severe cases, total crop failure.
3. The family includes important viruses like Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and Pea early browning virus (PEBV), which are known to affect various cereal crops and legumes.
4. Luteoviridae viruses are often persistent in their insect vectors, meaning that aphids can carry the virus and transmit it to multiple plants over time.
5. Management strategies for Luteoviridae infections often involve controlling aphid populations and planting resistant crop varieties to reduce the impact of these viruses.

Review Questions

• How do aphids contribute to the spread of Luteoviridae viruses among plants?
  • Aphids are key vectors for the transmission of Luteoviridae viruses. When they feed on infected plants, they acquire the virus and can subsequently transmit it to healthy plants during their feeding process. This feeding mechanism allows the virus to spread rapidly through crops, leading to significant agricultural impacts.
• Discuss the symptoms associated with Luteoviridae infections in plants and their implications for agriculture.
  • Infections by Luteoviridae can cause a range of symptoms including chlorosis, stunted growth, and poor yield. These symptoms not only affect the health of individual plants but can also lead to widespread crop failures if left unchecked. The economic implications are significant, as these viruses can reduce the quality and quantity of harvests, impacting food supply and farmer incomes.
• Evaluate the importance of developing resistant plant varieties in managing Luteoviridae infections in agriculture.
  • Developing resistant plant varieties is crucial in managing Luteoviridae infections because it offers a sustainable solution to reduce virus spread without relying solely on chemical controls. Resistant varieties can withstand or limit the impact of viral infections, thereby maintaining crop yields and ensuring food security. This approach also supports environmentally friendly practices by reducing reliance on pesticides to control aphid populations.

Related terms

Aphid Transmission: Aphid transmission refers to the method by which certain viruses, including those in the Luteoviridae family, are spread from one plant to another through aphid feeding.

Phloem: Phloem is a type of tissue in vascular plants responsible for the transport of nutrients and sugars, and it is the primary site of infection for Luteoviridae.

Virulence: Virulence describes the degree of damage a virus can cause to its host plant, with Luteoviridae often exhibiting high virulence leading to stunted growth and crop loss.