CaMV

CaMV stands for Cauliflower Mosaic Virus. It is a plant virus belonging to the Caulimovirus genus within the Caulimoviridae family. CaMV is notable for its widespread distribution and its ability to infect a broad range of plants, particularly those in the Brassicaceae family, which includes common crops like cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli. The virus is transmitted primarily by insect vectors, specifically aphids.

The genome of CaMV is double-stranded DNA and it replicates through a unique reverse transcription process, similar to retroviruses. This mechanism has made CaMV a valuable tool in plant molecular biology research. The viral genome contains several genes, including those encoding the movement protein, coat protein, and enzymes involved in replication. The movement protein facilitates the spread of the virus from cell to cell within the plant.

Infected plants can exhibit a variety of symptoms, depending on the specific strain of CaMV and the host plant species. These symptoms may include mosaic patterns on leaves, yellowing, stunting, and deformation. While CaMV rarely causes severe economic damage to crops, its presence can lead to reduced yield and quality. Researchers utilize CaMV as a viral vector for gene expression studies and for the introduction of foreign genes into plants due to its efficient replication and systemic spread.