Tomato bushy stunt virus

Definition

Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) is a plant virus that primarily infects tomatoes and other members of the Solanaceae family. It belongs to the family Tombusviridae and is known for causing significant stunting, leaf curling, and overall reduced vigor in infected plants, impacting agricultural production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. TBSV is transmitted primarily through mechanical means and can also spread via infected seeds, making management in agricultural settings crucial.
2. Infected plants often exhibit symptoms such as yellowing, stunted growth, and abnormal leaf development, which can severely affect yield.
3. The virus can persist in the soil and plant debris, leading to recurring infections in subsequent growing seasons if proper sanitation measures are not taken.
4. TBSV has been studied extensively in molecular biology due to its simple structure and relatively small genome, making it a model organism for research.
5. Control measures for TBSV include crop rotation, using resistant varieties, and implementing strict sanitation practices to limit spread.

Review Questions

• How does the tomato bushy stunt virus affect plant physiology and what are the primary symptoms observed in infected plants?
  • Tomato bushy stunt virus affects plant physiology by interfering with normal growth processes, leading to symptoms such as stunted growth, leaf curling, and yellowing. These physiological changes result from the virus's impact on the host's cellular machinery, hindering the plant's ability to photosynthesize effectively. As a result, infected plants exhibit reduced vigor and lower yields, posing challenges for farmers.
• Discuss the methods of transmission of tomato bushy stunt virus and the implications for agricultural practices.
  • Tomato bushy stunt virus is primarily transmitted through mechanical means, such as contact with infected tools or hands, as well as through contaminated seeds. This transmission method highlights the importance of sanitation in agricultural practices. Farmers must implement strict hygiene measures to prevent spreading the virus between plants and fields. Understanding these transmission pathways is essential for developing effective management strategies to reduce infection rates.
• Evaluate the research significance of tomato bushy stunt virus in understanding viral mechanisms and plant interactions.
  • Tomato bushy stunt virus serves as a valuable model organism in research due to its simple structure and small genome size. Studying TBSV allows scientists to investigate fundamental viral mechanisms, including replication and interaction with host plant defenses. This research has broader implications for understanding how viruses affect various crops and developing strategies for disease management. Insights gained from TBSV studies can contribute to improved resistance breeding programs and more effective control measures across diverse plant species.

Related terms

Tombusviridae: A family of plant viruses characterized by their single-stranded RNA genomes and a rod-shaped appearance.

Viral Infections: Infections caused by viruses that can lead to various diseases in plants, often resulting in symptoms like wilting, stunting, or discoloration.

Host Range: The range of different plant species that can be infected by a specific virus, which for TBSV includes tomatoes and several other solanaceous plants.