Ipomoviruses

Ipomoviruses are a genus of viruses in the order Picornavirales and the family Secoviridae. They belong to the subfamily Comovirinae. The name "ipomovirus" is derived from their association with plants in the genus Ipomoea, which includes sweet potato and morning glory. These viruses are known to infect a variety of plant species, causing significant agricultural losses.

The virions of ipomoviruses are non-enveloped, icosahedral particles with a diameter of approximately 25-30 nanometers. They possess a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome. This RNA molecule is bipartite, meaning it is divided into two separate RNA segments, typically referred to as RNA-1 and RNA-2. RNA-1 encodes proteins involved in replication, while RNA-2 encodes structural proteins and movement proteins.

Ipomoviruses are transmitted by insect vectors, primarily beetles belonging to the family Chrysomelidae. Their transmission is often described as semi-persistent or persistent, depending on the specific virus and vector. These viruses can cause a range of symptoms in host plants, including mosaic diseases, leaf curling, stunting, and necrosis. Notable species within this genus include Sweet potato mild mottle virus (SPMMV) and Cowpea mosaic virus (CpMV). Management strategies often focus on controlling insect vectors and using virus-free planting material.