Virgaviridae


Virgaviridae is a family of positive sense, single-stranded RNA viruses. Plants serve as natural hosts. There are currently 59 species in this family, divided among 7 genera. The name of the family is derived from the Latin word virga, as all viruses in this family are rod-shaped.

Taxonomy

Viruses include in the family Virgaviridae are characterized by unique alpha-like replication proteins.
The following genera are recognized:
Viruses in Virgaviridae are non-enveloped, with rigid helical rod geometries, and helical symmetry. The diameter is around 20-25 nm, and virions have a central "canal." Genomes are linear, single-stranded, positive sense RNA with a 3'-tRNA like structure and no polyA tail. They may be in one, two, or three segments, depending on the genus. Coat proteins are about 19–24 kiloDaltons.
GenusStructureSymmetryCapsidGenomic arrangementGenomic segmentation
TobamovirusRod-shapedHelicalNon-envelopedLinearNon-Segmented
FurovirusRod-shapedHelicalNon-envelopedLinearSegmented
PecluvirusRod-shapedHelicalNon-envelopedLinearSegmented
HordeivirusRod-shapedHelicalNon-envelopedLinearSegmented
TobravirusRod-shapedHelicalNon-envelopedLinearSegmented
PomovirusRod-shapedHelicalNon-envelopedLinearSegmented

Life cycle

Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by penetration into the host cell. Replication follows the positive stranded RNA virus replication model. Positive stranded RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. Translation takes place by leaky scanning, and suppression of termination. The virus exits the host cell by tripartite non-tubule guided viral movement, and monopartite non-tubule guided viral movement.
Plants serve as the natural host.
GenusHost detailsTissue tropismEntry detailsRelease detailsReplication siteAssembly siteTransmission
TobamovirusPlants-UnknownViral movementCytoplasmCytoplasmMechanical
FurovirusPlants-UnknownViral movementCytoplasmCytoplasmMechanical inoculation: fungus
PecluvirusPlants-UnknownViral movementCytoplasmCytoplasmMechanical inoculation: fungus. Mechanical contact; seed
HordeivirusPlants-UnknownViral movementCytoplasmCytoplasmMechanical: contact; seed
TobravirusPlants-UnknownViral movementCytoplasmCytoplasmMechanical inoculation: nematodes
PomovirusPlants-UnknownViral movementCytoplasmCytoplasmMechanical inoculation: fungus