Foveavirus

Foveavirus is a genus of viruses in the order Picornavirales and the family Secoviridae. Viruses in this genus infect plants. The name Foveavirus is derived from the Latin word "fovea" meaning "pit" or "depression," referring to the characteristic pit-like lesions that these viruses can cause on host plants.

Foveaviruses are non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. Their genome is approximately 8-10 kilobases in length and is typically divided into two open reading frames. The first open reading frame encodes the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, while the second open reading frame encodes structural proteins.

Transmission of foveaviruses is often facilitated by vectors, most commonly mites. These viruses can cause a range of symptoms in susceptible plant species, including mosaic patterns, mottling, leaf distortion, stunting, and necrotic spots or pits. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the specific virus species, the plant host, and environmental conditions.

Notable species within the Foveavirus genus include the Strawberry mottle virus, which affects strawberries, and the Raspberry leaf mottle virus, which impacts raspberry plants. Research into foveaviruses focuses on understanding their molecular biology, host-pathogen interactions, and developing strategies for disease management in agricultural settings.