Crinivirus

A genus of plant viruses in the family Closteroviridae

Crinivirus is a genus of plant viruses in the family Closteroviridae. These viruses are known to infect a wide range of plant hosts, primarily causing diseases in economically important crops. Criniviruses are transmitted by whiteflies and are characterized by their long, flexuous, filamentous particles.

Taxonomy

Crinivirus is a genus within the family Closteroviridae, which is part of the order Martellivirales. The genus includes several species, each with distinct host ranges and geographical distributions. Some notable species include:

• Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV)
• Tomato infectious chlorosis virus (TICV)
• Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV)

Structure

Criniviruses are characterized by their long, flexuous, filamentous virions, which are typically 750-850 nm in length. The virions are non-enveloped and have a helical symmetry. The genome of criniviruses is composed of two single-stranded, positive-sense RNA molecules, which are encapsidated separately.

Genome

The genome of criniviruses is bipartite, consisting of two RNA segments, RNA1 and RNA2. RNA1 is approximately 8.7 kb in length and encodes proteins involved in replication, including an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. RNA2 is about 7.6 kb and encodes proteins involved in movement and encapsidation, as well as the coat protein.

Transmission

Criniviruses are transmitted by whiteflies in a semi-persistent manner. The primary vectors are species of the Bemisia and Trialeurodes genera. The virus does not replicate within the vector but is retained in the foregut, allowing for transmission to new host plants during feeding.

Symptoms

Infected plants typically exhibit symptoms such as chlorosis, interveinal yellowing, and stunted growth. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the host species, environmental conditions, and the specific crinivirus involved.

Economic Impact

Criniviruses are of significant concern in agriculture due to their impact on crop yield and quality. They affect a variety of crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes. Management of crinivirus infections involves controlling whitefly populations and using resistant plant varieties when available.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of crinivirus infections is typically performed using molecular techniques such as RT-PCR and ELISA. These methods allow for the detection of viral RNA or proteins in infected plant tissues.

Management

Management strategies for crinivirus infections focus on controlling the whitefly vectors and implementing cultural practices to reduce virus spread. These may include:

• Use of insecticides to control whitefly populations.
• Implementation of reflective mulches to deter whitefly landing.
• Use of resistant or tolerant plant varieties.
• Crop rotation and removal of infected plant debris.

Also see

• Closteroviridae
• Whitefly
• Plant virus
• RNA virus

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