Plant Viruses: Evolution and Management

Abstract

The current trends of environmental diversity and emerging virus species are becoming an increasing threat to our way of life economically and physically. Plant viruses are particularly significant as they affect our food supply and are capable of rapidly spreading to new plant species. In basic research, plant viruses have become useful models to analyze the molecular biology of plant gene regulation and cell-cell communication. The small size of DNA genome of viruses possesses minimal coding capacity and replicates in the host cell nucleus with the help of host plant cellular machinery. Thus, studying virus cellular processes also forms the best system in understanding the DNA replication, transcription, mRNA processing, protein expression and gene silencing in plants. A better knowledge of these cellular processes will help us in designing the antiviral strategies in plants. This book will focus on the plant virus evolution, their molecular classification, epidemics and management. It covers topics on evolutionary mechanisms, viral ecology and emergence, appropriate methods for analysis and the role of evolution in taxonomy. This edited book also provides the in-depth knowledge of plant virus gene interaction with host, localization and expression. This book is expected to provide the most recent information regarding advances in plant virus evolution, their responses and crop improvement. This book will be benefi cial for molecular biologist and plant virologist because it combines characterization of plant viruses and disease managements. When these topics are present together, it is easy to compare all aspects of resistance, tolerance and management strategies.