Betacaulimovirus

Betacaulimovirus is a genus of viruses in the order Unassigned and the family Alphaflexiviridae. These viruses infect plants. They are characterized by their filamentous, flexuous virions. The genome of betacaulimoviruses is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA molecule. Replication occurs within the host plant cell.

Species within this genus include the widely studied Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), which is the type species. CaMV is known for its ability to cause mosaic symptoms in a variety of cruciferous plants, such as cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. Other members of the genus also infect specific plant hosts and can cause various symptoms, including leaf mottling, stunting, and deformities.

Betacaulimoviruses are transmitted by insect vectors, most commonly aphids. The viruses are not mechanically transmissible in all cases and rely on these specific vectors for efficient spread within and between plant populations. Research into betacaulimoviruses is significant due to their economic impact on agriculture and their use as model systems in plant virology and molecular biology. Studies have explored their gene expression, replication mechanisms, and interactions with host plants, contributing to our understanding of plant-virus relationships and the development of virus-resistant crops.