Author(s):
Viruses are mostly infectious microorganisms composed of a piece of nucleic acid and surrounding protein sometimes lipoproteins. They are parasites incapable of producing their own genetic materials important for living. All plants are affected by one or more viruses. Most have specific relationship with their host and vectors based on the nature of genetic material, their host and vectors bust some have wide range of hosts and vectors which makes them more infectious. The impact of viruses is increasing because of the increase in emerging disease and factors such as climate change, monocropping and material exchange are worsening the condition. But recent discoveries in molecular science revolutionized the knowledge and understanding of viruses. Even it contributing in exploiting beneficial aspects of viruses. Virous are very numerous and their rapid evolution complicated their classification. But viruses are classified based on morphology and the nature of their genetic material are mode of transmission are some of the criteria used for their classification. The interaction of viruses with their host quite complicated starting from their arrival to the release of their genetic martials inside the host. They use several mechanisms to identify and penetrate through surface of their host. Also, mechanism of their replication also varies where most the disassemble their protective coat progressively in order to avoid attack and undergoes post translation modification in order to diversify their infection and movement. The phenotype, biochemicals and their genetic materials are used for their identification but recent sciences such as multiplexing are making their identification easier. Integrated management of viruses effective for their control. Host factor produced by the plants attracts the vectors and avoiding the production of such chemicals is one of the resistance mechanisms used. Also, CRISPR aid RNAi are used for the development of resistance. The future is in the hand of this technologies and several other like virus-like plants (VLP) for identification, characterization and manipulation for diversified use.
